Former Liverpool player Mike Marsh has been appointed as an assistant manager at Turkish giants Besiktas, linking up with head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The move marks another step in a varied coaching career for the 55-year-old, who ended his playing days with spells at Boston United and Southport.
Marsh’s Career Comes Full Circle
Marsh enjoyed a playing career that saw him represent Liverpool, Coventry City, and West Ham United before spending time in non-league football, where he featured for Southport and Boston United. His experience in English football made him a valuable figure in coaching, with roles at Swansea City, Huddersfield Town, and a stint as first-team coach at Liverpool.
After retiring, Marsh joined Southport’s coaching staff before becoming Northwich Victoria’s first-team coach in 2008. He later became assistant manager at Bradford Park Avenue and briefly served as caretaker manager. He coached at Accrington & Rossendale College and Liverpool’s academy, moving up to first-team coach before leaving in 2015. Marsh then coached at Huddersfield Town, later joining England’s U17s in 2016. In 2019, he became assistant first-team coach at Swansea City under Steve Cooper.
Most recently, he spent two-and-a-half years at Preston North End as Ryan Lowe’s assistant, even taking interim charge of two matches earlier this season.
From Deepdale to Istanbul
Marsh departed Preston after their 3-0 defeat to Swansea City in August, having guided the club to victory over Sunderland in the EFL Cup during his brief spell as caretaker manager. His connections in the game have now led him to Turkey, where he will work alongside Solskjaer in helping Besiktas push for domestic and European success.
He also reunites with Besiktas goalkeeping coach Richard Hartis, with whom he worked during England Under-17s’ World Cup-winning campaign in 2017.
Besiktas’ Current Standing
Besiktas currently sit fourth in the Turkish Super Lig but could close the gap on third-placed Samsunspor to just two points if they win their game in hand. Solskjaer, appointed in mid-January on an 18-month contract, is aiming to lead the club back to the top of Turkish football after leaving his role as Manchester United manager in 2021.
Writer’s View
Marsh’s appointment at Besiktas is a testament to his long-standing influence in the game. From his days at Southport and Boston United to coaching at the highest levels, his journey highlights his adaptability and footballing intelligence. His experience will be valuable in aiding Solskjaer as Besiktas look to return to their title-winning best.
