Assistant manager John McMahon has left Shrewsbury Town after landing a dream job amongst Rafa Bentiez’s backroom team at Liverpool.

McMahon has joined the staff of the Barclays Premier runners-up and Champions League quarter-finalists as head reserve team coach.

That appointment is set to see him working closely with first-team squad members and Benitez – and represents a sensational opportunity for McMahon, whose brother Steve became an established figure in the Liverpool midfield during his playing days.

“It’s something I could not refuse,” admitted McMahon today.

“It’s tinged with a bit of sadness because I’m leaving a fantastic club where I have had a great three years.

“But it’s the chance to work with some of the best players in the world, with some of the best coaches in the world at some of the best facilities in the world.

“I have had a great time at Shrewsbury and it’s just disappointing we couldn’t end it on a high note with promotion.

“The chairman, manager, staff – everyone at the club – has been superb and in Paul Simpson they have got a fantastic manager in place to take the club forward.”

McMahon arrived at Shrewsbury in June 2006 as No 2 to Gary Peters after spending eight years on the coaching staff at Tranmere.

He had a brief spell as caretaker manager when Peters departed before Simpson came to the helm.

But the lure of joining one of the super-powers of European and world football has proved too much for McMahon to ignore.

And Simpson is now preparing to add to his backroom team which will still include current first team coach Stuart Delaney.

“John has left now and we wish him well,” said Simpson.

“Whenever a club like Liverpool come calling it’s a no-brainer and it is only five minutes from John’s home.

“He’s been excellent while he has been here and it’s a case of we move on and wish him all the best.”

By JAMES GARRISON