Steve Clarke joins Liverpool as first-team coach

Former Chelsea assistant manager Steve Clarke has been appointed as first team coach at Liverpool.

Clarke worked under José Mourinho, Avram Grant and Luiz Felipe Scolari at Stamford Bridge and also served under former teammate Gianfranco Zola for a six-month spell at West Ham United.

At Anfield, Clarke will work under Kenny Dalglish, who returned as caretaker manager of the club until the end of the season after the departure of Roy Hodgson at the weekend.

The 47-year old has been out of the game since leaving his post at West Ham and will start work at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground on Tuesday, before joining Dalglish in the dugout for Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Blackpool at Bloomfield Road on Wednesday evening.

It is understood the Scot will replace Mike Kelly, the former Fulham coach, who is set to follow sacked boss Roy Hodgson out of Anfield.

In a statement on the club’ official website, Reds' boss Kenny Dalglish said: "Steve is a great addition to our backroom team and I'm delighted we've been able to bring him into the club.

"I am looking forward to working with Steve alongside Sammy and our other technical staff."