'Little Sam' Returns To His Roots

The return of Sammy Lee to Liverpool Football Club was announced today, with him signing a 2-year deal. He will commence work in the vacant role of assistant manager, replacing the out-going Alex Miller (now manager of JEF United Chiba in Japan), and Pako Ayestaran before him (currently on 'gardening leave').
Lee is a born and bred Liverpudlian and is renowned for his sharp passing and hard-working attitude on the field, and his warm and friendly persona off it. He rose up the ranks at Liverpool FC through the Academy, and managed to score on his debut against Leicester City in 1978, which the Reds won 3-2. He has an esteemed career and was present in the glory days of the 80s, collecting numerous honours at the club: First Division Championship 1981/82, 1982/83 & 1983/84, League Cup 1981, 1982, 1983 & 1984 and European Cup 1981 & 1984.
After his playing days were over, Lee continued in the football industry by entering the coaching and management set up at Liverpool FC under Graeme Souness in 1993. Similarly with his early fledging playing career, he gained experience and kudos from his colleagues and moved from reserve team coach to first team coach under Gerard Houllier in 1999. His prowess was next recognised by the national team, and in 2001 he became a coach under Sven Goran Eriksson, becoming full time in 2004.
This appointment can only be positive for the club and players. Lee has a burgeoning collection of accolades, and therefore has talent and experience in both playing and coaching. When he was managing at Bolton Wanderers he was compared to Sam Allardyce (disliked by this opinionated fan) as the antithesis of boring, hoof-ball tactics previously seen and revered by the Trotters fans. His method did not suit a team drilled into long ball and a battling ethos instilled at the club, and hence degenerated into a struggling relegation team playing the wrong brand of football for their limited players.
However at Liverpool, hopefully Lee can welcome a more expansive, creative and entertaining approach to the game, through influencing manager Benitez and working with our team of international stars. Another advantage of this addition to the Melwood staff is that he speaks fluent Spanish from his days at Osasuna in Spain, and as we all know, Rafa has enlisted many of his fellow countrymen to our club.