Ex-Liverpool and Burnley man McParland linked with Birmingham role

McParland had a brief stint as sporting director at Turf Moor before leaving to take up a role at Rangers.

He is best known for his time at Liverpool, where he served as academy director between 2007 and 2013.

McParland also has spells as director of football at Brentford and Nottingham Forest on his CV, as well as a stint as chief scout at Watford.

The 63-year-old has been out of football for several years since leaving his position at Nottingham Forest and was also linked with a role at Newcastle following their takeover in October 2021.

McParland has now been offered the head of recruitment role at Birmingham, according to Football Insider.

The Blues are said to be confident of “finalising a deal this week” as they aim to climb the Championship table. The Midlands outfit currently find themselves in 18th place - seven points above the drop zone.

John Eustace’s side edged a seven-goal thriller at the weekend, winning 4-3 at Swansea after goals from Scott Hogan, Tahith Chong, former Wanderers striker Lukas Jutkiewicz and Auston Trusty.

Speaking after the game, Eustace said: “I asked the players to do something that we hadn’t really prepared properly to do. In the dressing room at half-time I put my hand up and said, ‘I got that wrong boys’.

“It showed the great character of the group that we stuck together and stayed in the game. In the second half we were excellent.

“That’s what football is all about, making changes and learning from mistakes. We knew if we could stay in the game we would always have a chance. Tactically, in the second half, we got it spot on.”

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