ANDONI Iraola says he is “really happy” to see Richard Hughes hired by Liverpool, believing the Reds’ new sporting director will do “a very good job there”.

Hughes will leave his position as technical director of Cherries this summer, after eight years in the role, with Simon Francis stepping up from his current job as assistant to Hughes.

And it was this week announced Hughes will become Liverpool’s new sporting director from June 1, initially tasked with finding the Reds a new boss as Jurgen Klopp prepares to depart.

Discussing Hughes joining Liverpool, Iraola said: “I’ve always said it, he was maybe the main reason, or definitely a big, important part of the decision to come here.

“He has been really helpful with me personally, with all the staff.

“I think he is very good at his job.

“He has set everything here – the scouting department, the management of the players individually when they come here.

“There is an adaptation process where he is really helpful with the players and me as a coach.

“I am really happy for him, because I suppose it is a very good chance for him.

“I obviously wish him all the best. I am sure he will also be doing a very good job there at Liverpool.”

Asked if he feels Hughes will be able to replicate what he has done at Cherries up at Liverpool, Iraola added: “You never know. It is probably a big change for him.

“But I think he has done really, really well here at Bournemouth.

“I hope he can continue doing the same things he is doing here, at Liverpool.”

He added: “He has more relationships in places he has been living or working or has more contacts. But it is the day-to-day work, talking about a lot of players.

“The good thing for us is Simon continues.

“He has been working with him a lot. For sure he will want to change some details and some ideas, but he will benefit a lot from the work that everyone has been doing in the last years here.”

Cherries scouts Mark Burchill and Craig McKee are also expected to follow Hughes up to Liverpool.

“Obviously he trusts them and it is always a proof of confidence when you go somewhere else and you want to leave with people you trust,” said Iraola.

“But I also think part of the work they have done is going to be for Bournemouth.

“This is a long process and I am sure sometimes they follow players for three, four or five seasons and it never happens, because there is never the good moment to sign them or the money they ask is too high.

“It is not just ‘okay they leave and the club will start from zero’.

“This is a process that will continue and I think Simon is more than prepared to continue this work.”