In the latest major decision in the leadership team, Liverpool’s director of scouting and recruitment Dave Fallows will leave
Liverpool’s director of scouting and recruitment Dave Fallows will leave the club after 12 years. The decision from the 64-year-old comes in the latest departure within the Reds hierarchy.
Richard Hughes was unveiled as the club’s new sporting director following the departure of Jorg Schmadtke, who arrived on a short-term deal at Anfield. The former Bournemouth chief arrived as part of the restructuring under FSG, with former Reds director Michael Edwards taking up the position as the new chief executive of football for the American group.
It was confirmed that Fallows delayed his decision in order to help assist with the transition of the new football leadership team on L4 before departing at the end of 2024.
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Who is Dave Fallows?
Fallows joined Liverpool in 2012 as part of a double swoop by the Reds, landing both the former performance analyst and Barry Hunter, from Manchester City – where he was said to be key to helping build the club’s international scouting infrastructure using state-of-the-art technology.
He made the move to Anfield following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers, leaving his role as first-team scouting and recruitment co-ordinator.
At Bolton, Fallows was involved in the historic move for the Trotters as they became the first club to use ProZone, a player-tracking service which produced detailed data that occurred in a game, and the analyst was recruited from the company in a switch to the professional club – joining with his seven-man team.
His time at Liverpool has been celebrated with the club lauding him as a “fundamental” member in helping build the team that would achieve success in the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, Super Cup, the FA Cup and two League Cups.
As part of the role, it included being responsible for co-ordinating the club’s worldwide network of scouts eyeing potential additions. He worked closely with chief scout, Hunter, and attended matches gathering information to compile reports accessed by the likes of Jurgen Klopp.
What has Dave Fallows said about Liverpool departure?
Speaking to the official club website, he said: “I have been very privileged to work for this incredible football club. The fantastic people here starting with the supporters make it so special – to have had the opportunity to work with so many talented players and colleagues past and present who are now friends is something I am very grateful for.
“The leadership here, from ownership, through to Michael [Edwards], Richard [Hughes], Arne [Slot], Billy [Hogan] and Alex [Inglethorpe], is world-class. I have no doubt they will continue to thrive.
“They are supported by great people across many departments who I will miss working with but will continue to stay close to.
“There are far too many to mention but I am especially grateful to Barry Hunter and all those within the recruitment department who have been a joy to work alongside. Leaving in the knowledge that I will be leaving this place in such great shape is something that means a lot to me.
“I look forward to supporting the team from a different perspective now but with the same passion for their success.”
What has Michael Edwards said about Dave Fallows?
The FSG chief and former Liverpool sporting director wrote an open letter to supporters and lauded both Fallows and Hunter. The former Bolton analyst was described as unique.
He said: “Dave is simply Google, I’ve never known anyone with a memory like his or an ability to think outside of the box when innovative solutions are required.”
In light of the announcement, Edwards added: “Dave has been a trusted colleague for over 10 years and a close friend for two decades.
“I respect his decision and wish him nothing but success with whatever he does next. He and his family will always be welcome at our club after the contribution he has made. We will miss him.”
