Former Tottenham director of football Damien Comolli has joined Liverpool to oversee their recruitment drive with the job title 'director of football strategy'.
Comolli, who was responsible for the signing of Gareth Bale while at Spurs, was criticised during his time at White Hart Lane over the quality of some of his purchases and clashed with then-manager Martin Jol, who complained several players had been signed without his permission.
With Tottenham performing poorly in 2008-09, Comolli again took the flak and was dismissed in October 2008, along with manager Juande Ramos, and joined Saint-Etienne as sporting director.
A statement on the Liverpool website read: ''New England Sports Ventures (NESV) and Liverpool FC are pleased to announce the appointment of Damien Comolli as Director of Football Strategy for Liverpool FC.''
NESV Principal Owner John Henry told the site: "Damien has a proven track-record of identifying exciting young footballing talent and we are delighted that he has agreed to join Liverpool. Working closely with Roy Hodgson and the coaching staff, I know he will make a valuable contribution to strengthening the club and the squad as we move forward.
"Today's announcement is just the first step in creating a leadership group and structure designed to develop, enhance and implement our long-term philosophy of scouting, recruitment, player development and all of the other aspects necessary to build and sustain a club able to consistently compete at the highest level in European football.
"We intend to be bold and innovative. We will not rest until we have restored Liverpool Football Club to the greatness Liverpool fans expect."
Roy Hodgson added: "I am looking forward to working with Damien whom I have known for many years. We are engaged in an exciting project here and he will bring a lot to the table. We all want to see moves to strengthen the squad and support player development over the next few years. John Henry and I are totally united in delivering on that ambition."
Comolli said: "I am delighted to be joining Liverpool and look forward to working with John and Roy. I think we all realise there is a big job ahead, but we all share the vision that John has for rebuilding the club and bringing back the success that the supporters deserve."
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