Everton Announce Academy Leadership Update

Everton have confirmed that they have made a number of changes behind the scenes within their Academy leadership structure heading towards the 2026/2027 season. 

Nick Cox has led the changes as Everton look to improve their process in the Academy setup. 

The Toffees, perhaps, haven’t brought through as many Academy players as they would like in recent years. Harrison Armstrong is the latest to make the step up to Premier League level, while Anthony Gordon is the big-name to have emerged in recent years, before being sold for a healthy fee. 

The Academy is in place for multiple reasons, including developing players for either the senior squad or to be sold. 

It’s always great to see Academy players come through the ranks and play for the senior squad, but if you’re at least selling them for significant fees, you’re doing something right.

Ellis Simms, Tom Cannon, Gordon, Ishe Samuels-Smith, and Lewis Dobbin are just some examples where Everton have brought in significant fees for Academy players, with some barely even making an appearance for the senior squad.

In an announcement on Wednesday afternoon, Everton have confirmed a number of changes in the Academy structure heading towards the new season. 

Dean Rastrick took up a role as Everton’s new Academy Director last month. Rastrick was previously the Director of Development at Norwich City, a position he held for just under two years. The 50-year-old spent almost 13 years with Tottenham as their Academy Manager before that, so he’s certainly someone with plenty of experience in similar roles. 

Carl Darlington has been appointed as Head of Academy Coach Development. Darlington has had various roles throughout his career, but his most recent job before joining Everton was a Development Coach for Wales. Darlington has also spent time at Wrexham and TNS, among others.The 44-year-old actually joined Everton back in 2022 as Head of Academy Coaching, but his role has changed as part of the new structure. 

Dave Hughes is a new arrival at Everton. He has joined the club in a new role of Head of Academy Player Development, while he will also lead the U21s, but not directly as a Head Coach - more on that later!

Hughes was most recently manager of Newport County in League Two, and was in charge for 22 games. Before that, Hughes spent around three years as Manchester United’s U21s Assistant Manager. 

Hughes is heavily experienced in various roles, spending time as an assistant, a manager, Development Coach, Head of Academy Coaching, and Academy Manager throughout his career.

Ben Dickson has received an internal promotion at Everton, and is one the Head of Academy Recruitment. Dickson was previously an Assistant Head of Academy Recruitment, and has spent time at Manchester United, Preston North End, and Crewe Alexandra.

Nick Chadwick has also received an internal promotion, from Individual Player Development Lead Coach to PDP Senior Coach & Loans Programme Manager.

Everton have confirmed that Cox has been conducting an internal review of operations after joining the club as Technical Director. 

Speaking on the changes, Cox said:

“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.” 

Cox joined Everton last year from Manchester United to take up a Technical Director role at the club. Cox had previously led United’s academy, playing a role in the graduation of the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Amass. 

The former Man Utd man has been assessing how Everton have been operating, and hopefully the changes he’s implementing will see the club head in a positive direction. 

Paul Tait has now left the club after a 16-year association with the Academy. Tait’s most recent role was the Under-21s Head Coach.

Everton have now decided that the position of Under-21s Head Coach won’t be part of the new structure, and instead, Hughes will lead the Under-21s as part of his role as Head of Academy Player Development.

This feels like a change that means Everton will be heavily focusing on developing players rather than getting results at U21 level. Winning titles and trophies is fairly meaningless at Academy level, and instead the focus should be on developing players for the first team.

With Hughes taking charge of the U21 side, but his primary role being Head of Academy Player Development, he’s naturally going to put the development of players first ahead of results. 

Hughes has an ideal mix of experience within coaching and development, so the new role for him makes a lot of sense. 

Hopefully this will lead to a big focus on ensuring we are creating pathways for players up to U21 level before making the jump to the senior squad.