Newcastle fans have taken to Twitter to react after the Independent revealed that Liverpool’s performance analyst Mark Leyland has joined the Magpies.
What’s the story?
Well, this is a real coup for Newcastle, as Leyland is very highly rated.
The 36-year-old worked alongside Eddie Howe at Burnley, and the pair have maintained a strong relationship outside of a work environment.
Now, they have been reunited at St James’ Park as they look to help Newcastle stay in the Premier League.
The Independent believe Jürgen Klopp wanted Leyland to stay at Anfield, although he eventually left with the German’s blessing.
Leyland will now be able to assume greater responsibility and shift into more of a coaching setup, according to the Independent.
His role involves coaching as well as collating performance data, in order for his findings to be streamlined into training as well as match preparation.
The Independent add that this represents a promotion for Leyland, who previously worked as head of post-match and elite player development analysis at Liverpool.
Big coup for Newcastle, bad timing for Liverpool
Interestingly, Newcastle have secured Leyland’s services just days before they face Liverpool on Thursday evening.
It sounds as if he’s going to start work immediately, which doesn’t exactly bode well for the Reds.
They will welcome Newcastle to Anfield tomorrow knowing that the Magpies have a man who knows all about them on their side.
If Leyland can contribute to Newcastle recording a famous win over the Reds, then he will become an instant hero on Tyneside.
Of course, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) and Amanda Staveley still need to find a Director of Football, although moves like this are hugely encouraging to see.
For now, let’s take a look at what the Newcastle fans on Twitter have been saying about Leyland…
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