Liverpool name managing director

New managing director joins the Reds

Liverpool have named Christian Purslow as their new managing director.

Purslow, a fluent Spanish speaker and Liverpool season ticket holder, will liaise with manager Rafael Benitez on his summer signings.

The 45-year-old will take overall charge until a replacement is found for outgoing chief executive Rick Parry.

Co-owner George Gillett told the club's official website. "There's a lot to get done and Christian will be a valuable addition to the team."

Purslow is a Cambridge graduate with an MBA from Harvard Business School and Gillett said his experience was needed.

606: DEBATE Sounds likes a very accomplished appointment!" lfc-global

"Tom Hicks and I felt that it was important to put a highly experienced and respected executive in place to run the club and support the senior team and the manager," he said.

Co-owner Hicks added: "Christian has been a great supporter of the club for many years and he's already built up good relationships at Anfield.

"His strategic and commercial acumen will be a real asset and we're delighted that he has made a long term commitment to the club."

Purslow is an executive board member and co-founder of private equity firm MidOcean Partners.