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Following in the footsteps of Steven Gerrard can be a daunting prospect.

But for new Liverpool Under-18s boss Barry Lewtas it's a source of great pride that he's been trusted with carrying on where the Kop legend left off back in May.

Academy director Alex Inglethorpe looked far and wide for the right candidate after Gerrard accepted the opportunity to take over as manager of Rangers.

Ultimately, Inglethorpe decided that the perfect man for the job was already at Kirkby with Lewtas promoted from his position as under-16s coach.

“Steven did a fantastic job last year,” Lewtas said.

“The style of football they played was great to watch and it was good to be around. The under-16s and under-18s follow suit so wherever they went, we went.

“I wasn't in it but I was around it in terms of the travel and being around the dressing room before and after games. You are quite close knit and towards the back end of the season Steven used quite a few of the under-16s.

“Of course they are huge boots to fill. Firstly, because of who he is but also because he proved himself to be a top quality coach. He did a really good job.

“I am never going to match his reputation. He put a real good stamp on the team and I need to ensure that I do the same.”

Gerrard may have moved on to launch his managerial career in Scotland but his bond with the Kirkby Academy remains strong.

“Steven sent me a couple of texts when I got the job and then he sent another text last Friday, the night before our first game,” Lewtas revealed.

“He was saying 'best of luck, please pass on my best wishes to all the lads'.

“I am sure he will pop in when he can this season and we're going to try to get up there to play a game too.”

Lewtas, who grew up in Fazakerley and went to Kirkby CofE, got into coaching in his early 20s.

He started off at Wigan Athletic's Centre of Excellence in 2003 before joining Bolton Wanderers four years later. He's been part of the staff at the Kirkby Academy since 2013.

(Image: Nick Taylor/LFC)

“Playing wise, I just kicked it around a bit,” Lewtas said modestly.

“I can safely say I wasn't as good as the fella who was in this job before me!

“I was at university doing a sports science degree when I started doing my badges. It went on from there. I was doing soccer schools and then I was fortunate enough to get a role at Wigan.

“As soon as I got in there I realised this was something I wanted to do more than kick a ball around and it kind of snowballed.

“I was working with the under-12s when I joined Liverpool initially and then it was full-time looking after the 10s, 11s and 12s. Then I moved into the 15s, then the 16s and now this.

“It's been good. Every move has been a step up. It's been a long journey, no wonder my hair has gone! But I certainly feel like I'm ready for this opportunity.”

Lewtas has some trusted lieutenants in analyst Scott Mason, goalkeeping coach Neil 'Taff' Edwards and fitness coach John Hill.

As part of a summer reshuffle at Kirkby there will no longer be assistant managers for either the under-18s or the under-23s. Tom Culshaw, who followed Gerrard to Ibrox, and Mike Garrity haven't been replaced.

Instead Inglethorpe will be more hands on when it comes to training sessions in 2018/19.

“Scott's our analyst but he's also a qualified coach and will play a big part alongside me. Taff also has massive experience,” Lewtas said.

“Coming out on to the grass more is something Alex is really keen to do.

“Alex has played a big part in my development and my thoughts on the game. He manages to get coaches to think and changes the thinking of the players too.

“There's scope here to be creative and work with individuals how you see best. But we're all very clear what the objectives are and what we are trying to achieve.

“He puts the blueprint down for the Academy - how we want to develop players. It's very cohesive through the age groups, there's a clear plan. The work that's done at under-9s will one day benefit the under-18s and hopefully the first team squad.”

(Image: Nick Taylor/LFC)

Lewtas has worked closely with some of the club's most promising youngsters.

Nat Phillips was part of his under-14s squad at Bolton and he coached Curtis Jones when he was in Liverpool Under-15s. Both caught the eye this summer after being promoted to first-team duty by Jurgen Klopp.

Lewtas said: “Nat was tall and gangly back then. He used to head everything - I've never worked with anyone who banged their head as much as Nat!

“He's a great boy, really intelligent and his dad Jimmy, who was my boss at Bolton, is a great bloke. Being from a good family helps Nat as he listens and wants to do well.

“When the boys get up to Melwood they still have so much more to do. If they don't show the capacity to improve then they aren't going to stay there.

“Pre-season was great for Curt. He's been given an opportunity. He's gone up there, he's got to travel and he's got to learn a bit more about what's required at that level.

“He's a cracking kid. I've known Curt a long time. It's nice when you see kids grow up and flourish.

“He's had a fantastic experience this summer but he would be the first to say that it's just a start. Now he's had a smell of it, he will be really keen to push on and impress over the course of this season.”

(Image: Nick Taylor/LFC)

In terms of the current crop of under-18s, Lewtas is excited about their potential.

The likes of Jack Bearne, Leighton Clarkson, Remi Savage, Fidel O'Rourke, Jake Cain, Niall Brookwell and Bright Amoateng all gained useful experience after being drafted in from the under-16s last season.

A pre-season tour of Hungary and Slovakia helped to foster team spirit and Lewtas' reign kicked off in style with a 6-1 thrashing of Sunderland last weekend.

Captain Paul Glatzel struck twice with Gerrard's cousin Bobby Duncan, who signed from Manchester City this summer, also getting off the mark.

A tougher test awaits when Manchester United visit the Kirkby Academy on Saturday (11am kick-off).

“I am really enjoying it,” Lewtas said.

“Obviously it helps that I've worked with a lot of the lads before. I know them well, they know me and know what gets on my nerves. Having relationships like that already helps.

“They are under no illusions, they know they are really going to have to raise the bar in the under-18s.

“The first year scholars would be the first to admit that it's been tough physically. They are full-time now so they are training more often and have gym sessions in the afternoons.

"If you have a good group and there's a set style of play then you're creating an environment where individuals are going to flourish and come through. Hopefully we'll have a good season but the focus is very much on development.

"United is a brilliant first home game for us. There's always a buzz when you play United, no matter what level. We played some really good stuff against Sunderland so it's important we carry that on."