Yahoo Sport 
Steven Gerrard signs ex-Liverpool player for second time as John Achterberg next move also announced
John Achterberg has officially been confirmed as Al-Ettifaq’s new goalkeeping coach, reuniting with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in the process.
The Dutchman, who left the Reds at the end of the season, was already known to be joining the Saudi Pro League side after Jurgen Klopp let slip in his final pre-match press conferences. But Ettifaq have now announced the former Liverpool coach’s arrival themselves.
However, he isn’t the only Reds coach Gerrard has added to his backroom staff. Former Liverpool academy goalkeeper Andy Firth has also been appointed as Achterberg’s assistant.
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The 27-year-old started his career with the Reds but never made an appearance for the club. Instead, he spent time on loan at Witton Albion and Chester FC before signing for Barrow AFC in July 2018.
Yet he was snapped up by Liverpool legend Gerrard for the first time at Rangers the following January, and went on to spend three and a half years at Ibrox. He would make just one appearance for the ‘Gers, and was a member of the squad that won the Scottish Premiership in 2020/21.
Spending the final months of the 2021/22 season on loan at Partick Thistle, Firth has spent the past two seasons playing in the Cymru Premier with Connah’s Quay Nomads.
However, he has balanced his time with coaching back at Liverpool, having originally obtained his badges while with the Reds’ Academy.
Having started coaching with Liverpool between 2016 and 2019, prior to his move to Rangers, he has worked with the Under-21s and helped coach young goalkeepers for the past two years.
“A big thanks to @LFC for having me back in with the U21s & coaching the young keepers,” he posted on social media after his move to Ettifaq was announced. “I’ve been so lucky to work with some amazing players and staff since being back at the club again & I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them all.”
Firth will now work alongside both Achterberg and Gerrard again in the Gulf State, becoming the latest former Liverpool man to join Ettifaq.
Reds legend Gini Wijnaldum is the club’s captain, following Jordan Henderson’s January exit, while Gerrard brought a number of former Liverpool backroom team members with him when taking over at the club last summer.
