Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre Welcomes Two Special Guests
The AXA Training Centre in Liverpool has been the home of the Reds since their move from Melwood back in 2020. It is a place that often sees ex-players and staff members pay a visit, and this week was no different as two special guests made their way through the doors.
Liverpool Women moved to West Derby from their previous location at Tranmere on the Wirral earlier this year, and one face that fans may remember came to Kirkby on Friday. Former goalkeeper Adam Bogdan shared an image with fellow countryman Dominik Szoboszlai on Instagram after dropping in.
Adam Bogdan’s Liverpool Career
Bogdan made just six senior appearances for the Reds, all of which came in the 2015/16 season before a series of loan moves preceded his eventual exit in 2019. Szoboszlai became the fourth Hungarian player in Liverpool’s history after his £60 million move from Leipzig was confirmed back in July, with Istvan Kozma and Peter Gulacsi making up the rest of that total.
Bogdan is now a free agent, with his spell at champions of Hungary Ferencvaros having come to an end earlier this year.
Joey Barton’s Visit
The other guest was slightly more peculiar, with former Premier League midfielder Joey Barton also popping in earlier this week. Barton made 269 appearances in England’s top flight across spells with Man City, Newcastle, QPR and Burnley and has since gone on to carve out a career in management.
He began that venture by spending just under three years at Fleetwood Town before joining Bristol Rovers back in February 2021. That reign came to an end earlier this week, with Barton relieved of his duties while the side were situated 16th in League One. The very next day, the 41-year-old posted a video on his Twitter account from the facility as he too made the trip to Kirkby.
Why Did They Visit?
It is unclear why either individual visited the training ground, but the likelihood is that both have been involved in some form of coaching training given the stages they are at with their respective careers. Both Adam Bogdan and Joey Barton have had successful careers in football and it is possible that they were visiting the AXA Training Centre to pass on their knowledge and experience to the next generation of players.
The visit of these two special guests is sure to have been a memorable one for those who were present at the AXA Training Centre. It is always exciting to see former players come back to their old stomping ground, and it is likely that they will have left a lasting impression on those who were lucky enough to witness their visit.