Steve Heighway is set to retire from coaching at Liverpool.
Heighway first joined the Anfield ranks in 1970 as a player, winning 16 major honours including five league titles and two European Cups in an 11-year spell.
The former Republic of Ireland international, 75, enjoyed a similar level of success after his former club in 1989 to oversee the Reds’ youth academy.
Under his tutelage, homegrown players Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler, Jamie Carragher, Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard all rose to prominence.
As Liverpool’s academy director, Heighway also presided over a hat-trick of FA Youth Cup wins in 1996 followed by back-to-back triumphs in 2006 and 2007.
He retired from that role after that final victory but returned in a consultancy role at the request of current academy chief Alex Inglethorpe in early 2015.
On Thursday, Liverpool confirmed Heighway’s decision to bring the curtain down on his combined 36-year spell on the red half of Merseyside.
“Steve has decided it is the right time to retire from his coaching role at the club,” said Inglethorpe.
“Steve has not only enjoyed a successful playing career at the club, but also an incredible coaching career lasting over 40 years, in which he has overseen the development of some of the most iconic players to have played for Liverpool Football Club.
“Whilst Steve may no longer be putting on his boots to work on the grass, he will still be at the Academy to watch games and share his expertise and wisdom for those fortunate to be in his company.
“I would like to lead the thanks to Steve for the time and guidance that he has given to not only myself but to all of us at the academy over the last seven years.”