Liverpool's data-inspired approach is unlikely to change despite the surprise resignation of sporting director Julian Ward, according to journalist Rory Smith.
The Lowdown: Ward quits Liverpool role
On Thursday, it was announced that Ward would be stepping down from his job at the end of the season, in what came as a shock development.
The 41-year-old only replaced the influential Michael Edwards in the role earlier this year and he was expected to continue well into the future.
It is a worrying piece of news that suggests that there are issues within Liverpool currently and it could even be that they are heading away from the 'Moneyball' approach that has served them so well under Jurgen Klopp.
The Latest: Smith reacts
Writing on Twitter, respected reporter Smith reacted to the news on Ward and allayed those fears, saying that the club are still planning for things to remain the same:
"This is obviously a blow for Liverpool, but I don’t think it means moving away from a data-led approach. There’d be a few obvious internal candidates to replace Ian, with Will Spearman probably the most compelling."
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The Verdict: Clear boost for supporters
This claim is likely to calm the anxiety of some Liverpool supporters, considering how successful the use of data has been throughout the Klopp era.
To suddenly completely change the way they go about recruitment would be an enormous risk, as well as signalling the end of a memorable spell off the pitch.
The key now will be to bring in someone who is similar to Edwards and Ward in style, ensuring the Reds continue to use the methods that have helped win them the Champions League and Premier League, among numerous other trophies.