Liverpool U18s coach to leave on low after Everton embarrassment
Marc Bridge-Wilkinson had little to smile about in his final game in charge over Liverpool Under-18s on Saturday.
The Reds were on the end of a 3-0 loss against Merseyside rivals Everton in Kirkby on 3 May on a day to forget.
George Morgan and Braiden Graham gave Everton a two-goal lead at the interval and Harvey Foster added a third in the second period.
Liverpool, who had Rio Ngumoha in their starting line-up, simply failed to turn up and only had the occasional bright moment.
Any defeat to Everton can be considered a huge blow, especially when it comes by a rather embarrassing scoreline.
Liverpool coach set to depart
It was already known that Bridge-Wilkinson will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, ending his 10-year association with the Reds.
However, Liverpool have endured a tough season as they finished above only Nottingham Forest and Leeds United in the U18 Premier League North table.
That is not to say there weren’t some high points along the way for Liverpool U18s, but ultimately they fell short and this three-goal loss to Everton was another low point.
Speaking earlier this year, Bridge-Wilkinson said: “It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since I joined LFC but now it is time to move on to a new challenge.
“The Academy is a special place and it’s been an absolute pleasure to be part of the team for the past decade.
“I’d like to thank Alex Inglethorpe and Nick Marshall for giving me the opportunity and placing faith in me to move up through the age groups. A massive thank you, too, to all the coaching staff and the support team.”
Bridge-Wilkinson next step unclear
Bridge-Wilkinson has held his current position for the past five years, and it is not known where he will end up next.
As for Liverpool, they will need to pick themselves up ready to go again. As if often said, results are not the most important thing at this level, but rather performances of players.
Plenty of superb talents have emerged through the Reds’ academy down the years, not least Conor Bradley who is now part of Arne Slot’s first team.
Fingers crossed there are more to come through the ranks in the coming months and years, with this Everton setback just a bump in the road.