SKIPPER WANTS HEIGHWAY TO STAY ON

Mark Platt 28 April 2007 Steven Gerrard has backed Rick Parry's declaration that departing Academy director Steve Heighway should remain at the club in some capacity.

Heighway is stepping down from his position as head of the Kirkby-based complex at the end of the season but Liverpool chief executive Parry has hinted that the former flying winger does not have to sever his ties with Anfield completely. Having coming through the club's youth system under his guidance, Reds skipper Gerrard cites Heighway as one of the biggest influences on his career and would love to see him continue in some capacity. "I'd be gutted if Steve were leaving Liverpool. I was so pleased to hear the club will find some role for him because in terms of coaching and looking after young players, there's no one in Europe with a record as good as his," he said. "I remember the first day I walked into Liverpool Football Club and Steve was the one who was there to meet me and look after me. For what must be nearly 20 years he's done a terrific job and you only have to look at the kind of names he's brought through to see that. "He was someone who worked from 8am to being the last person to leave at night. It's been 24 hours a day commitment to Liverpool and I hope the club do something to mark his contribution, possibly on the last day of the season against Charlton. "The fans know he was a top player, but I'm sure they'd like to show their appreciation for his work bringing through youngsters." Gerrard has also defended Liverpool's Academy system in the ace of accusations that not enough quality players are being developed. He added: "I know there's not been so many coming through in the last few years, but I think there are many reasons for that. "Carra and I have discussed this a lot because obviously we're really keen to ensure there are always local lads coming through, but if you look all around the Premiership and the rest of Europe, how many Academies have been producing world class players every season? "How many can say they had one like Michael Owen, Carra and the rest of us? "Have you seen many of the top European clubs packed with more home-grown players that Liverpool? I think it's an issue across all of football, not just Liverpool."