Soccer: McAllister signs for Liverpool
Friday, 26 May 2000 15:58Liverpool have agreed the signing of former Scotland skipper Gary McAllister on a free transfer for one year. The veteran midfielder completed a medical at Anfield today, and has decided to link up with Gerald Houllier's side by signing on July 1. McAllister had been at Coventry since 1996 but had a number of options when his contract expired at the end of the past season.
Gary McAllister has revealed he has spoken at length with manager Gerard Houllier about his role in the Liverpool squad next season. The Liverpool boss wants McAllister to bring valuable experience to the Liverpool midfield and to help the club's promising crop of young players to continue their development.
Says McAllister: 'Liverpool have got to play three cup competitions next season plus a tough Premiership campaign. They are in the UEFA Cup and there will be a lot more games for them to handle. The average age of their side last year was under 25, and that's very young for a top flight club. The manager explained that there was a need for some experience around the squad, an old head in the side. It's a tremendous challenge for me, and something that I didn't really expect at this stage of my career. But I intend to grasp it and enjoy it. In fact I wish the season could start straightaway. If I can offer anything to help the younger players and their development, that's fine by me.'
