Everton Academy, U21s etc...

[Trowel]

[blueforyou]

U21 coach Paul Tait has left due to restructuring by the club

[Jamokachi]

It's a pretty significant overhaul.

https://www.evertonfc.com/news/2026/jul ... ip-update/

Everton can confirm a number of changes and new appointments within the Academy leadership structure in advance of the 2026/27 season.

The changes are the result of a review of operations by Technical Director Nick Cox which included the appointment of Dean Rastrick, who formally took up his role as Everton’s new Academy Director in June.

Following the arrival of Dean, we can confirm that Carl Darlington, has been appointed Head of Academy Coach Development, Dave Hughes joins the Club in the new role of Head of Academy Player Development, Ben Dickson has been promoted to Head of Academy Recruitment and Nick Chadwick has been appointed PDP Senior Coach & Loans Programme Manager.

Cox told evertonfc.com: “We’ve spent the last six months conducting a strategic review of our Academy structure and these changes and appointments are part of that process.

“Our focus is on building an outstanding learning environment that is challenging, nurturing and supportive. To achieve that, it’s essential we identify and empower leaders who can drive standards, and create a culture where players and coaches can fulfil their potential.

“Dean’s arrival is key to that vision. He arrives with a truly exceptional CV. His extensive experience across respected youth systems - including Norwich City, Tottenham Hotspur, Luton Town, and Derby County - alongside his impactful work with the Premier League's Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC), gives him incredible insight and expertise in all aspects of player development and driving Academy excellence.”

Working as part of the Academy structure led by Rastrick, the new appointments have now taken on their new roles this month. The Club can also confirm that, as part of wider changes, Paul Tait has left the Club, with the position of Under-21s Head Coach not part of the new structure. Moving forward, the Under-21s will be led by Dave Hughes as part of his wider remit as Head of Academy Player Development. Paul’s departure brings to an end his 16-year association with the Academy.

Cox added: “I’d like to thank Paul for his passion, dedication, loyalty and commitment during his time at Everton, and everyone at the Club wishes him all the very best for the future.”

[kramer]

Isn’t Tait the coach who once had his team playing tons of long balls to help prepare them for going on loan to the lower leagues?

There’s a certain sort of vision there, I kind of understand his point, but doesn’t seem great for developing first teamers that move the needle, especially midfielders.

[Trowel]

[Trowel]

[Trowel]

[Cods]

Kieran's half brother?

[sam of the south]

Young DM

[kramer]

Seems like we’re making a lot more moves on this front than usual.

It’ll be awhile until we see the benefits but it does feel like we have qualified people overseeing this. Hopefully it’s not just a feeling and we’ll see some quality players come out of the setup moving forward.

[blueforyou]

Under 18s coach Keith Southern gone as well

[Cods]

Under 18s coach Keith Southern gone as well

Doesn't seem that long ago he was actually *in* our U18s.

[blueforyou]

5 years older than Rooney!

[Cods]

5 years older than Rooney!

Crikey

[bigmanbob]

Under 18s coach Keith Southern gone as well

Replaced by Matt Taylor ex of Bolton/Portsmouth