David Harrison and Rafa Benitez set to fill Marcel Brands void at Everton
Everton are set to hand increased responsibilities to David Harrison in the wake of Marcel Brands’ departure, according to The Athletic.
Harrison, head of football operations, is highly-regarded at Goodison Park and the Englishman will assume some of the Dutchman’s role in the short-term following the director of football’s exit last night (5 December).
Rafa Benitez is set to take control of other aspects as the Blues weigh up their next move.
Benitez voice grows louder?
There were numerous reports over the summer that Brands was becoming disillusioned with life at Everton after the arrival of Benitez as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor.
The Italian swapped Merseyside for Madrid in June and after a long search for a new manager, Benitez was selected, despite the controversy it would create among Blues.
It appeared to be another major decision from Farhad Moshiri, rather than a personal pick from Brands.
It went as smoothly as expected – Benitez is not known to take things lying down, and the suggestion is that he was quick to assert his control at the club.
Managers have to have their say on transfers but it’s also important that the director of football keeps his finger on the pulse and ensures a coherent strategy is being adhered to.
Otherwise, what’s the point in having someone in place like Brands?
It will be interesting to see what is revealed in the coming days, weeks and months – will Brands admit that his hands were tied behind his back? – but heads had to roll after Everton’s recent run of eight games without a win, and it seems that Brands is one of the first casualties.
He can’t feel too aggrieved at that given his patchy record at the club, but it doesn’t look like he was helped by Moshiri who has denied him the chance to stamp his authority on Everton.
In other Everton news, the Blues have green-lighted a stunning Blues star loan exit in January as this American-owned club plots a mid-season swoop.
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