Liverpool to build 'privacy screen' at Melwood training ground to stop fans leaking team selection

The building work is close to completion at the club's training ground

Mark Critchley
Saturday 26 September 2015 13:41 BST
Comments
Young Liverpool supporters peer into Melwood to watch their team's training session
Young Liverpool supporters peer into Melwood to watch their team's training session (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Liverpool are about to complete work on a privacy screen around their training ground Melwood, which will be designed to stop members of the public from spying on sessions and leaking tactical details.

Team selections have been known to appear on social media networks in the days leading up to the club's key fixtures, exposing manager Brendan Rodgers' tactical plans.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the club believes that the leaks are made by supporters peering over the walls which surround the club's training base, so keen to see their idols that they at times even film the team's sessions. Fans regularly use bins, cars, discarded roadwork barriers or ladder to look over the wall and catch of glimpse of the players.

One fan's novel way of watching a Liverpool training session
One fan's novel way of watching a Liverpool training session (Getty Images)

Rodgers is currently under severe pressure to find results at Anfield following a disappointing start to the season. His side are without a win in six games across all competitions and have only picked up maximum points twice so far this term, in unconvincing displays against Stoke City and Bournemouth.

The Northern Irishman believes his tactical preparations must be protected if he is to have any hope of turning the club's form around.

In January, Liverpool City Council erected a 4.5 metre high screen around one of the pitches as temporary measure. The council then granted planning permission for the club's own privacy screen in April.

Work on the installation is set to be completed in the next fortnight, with only the 'privacy curtain' left to be put in. The club will only use the curtain for certain training sessions after consulting with and making guarantees to local residents in the Kirkby area.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in