Everton appoint Carl Darlington as new Head of Academy Coaching
Everton have appointed Carl Darlington as their new Head of Academy Coaching on Tuesday (20 September), via their official website.
He was previously working with the Football Association of Wales for the past 17 years, of which his last decade was spent as Head of Coach Education.
Under his leadership, FAW has become one of the leaders in coach education. Premier League managers like Mikel Arteta and Patrick Vieira were among the coaches to choose the Wales Pro Licence course under him.
The Toffees’ academy director, Gareth Prosser said: “We are delighted to appoint Carl, a hugely-respected coach who has proven his expertise over a long period of time.
“He was integral to helping Wales become a world-class coaching nation and is a leader in player development and coach education.
“Carl is another key appointment for our Academy as we place increased emphasis on the personal and player development as the key focus throughout Everton’s youth operation.”
Roles
Along with the development of the senior team, it is also imperative to have a strong foundation at the academy levels.
Frank Lampard is someone who loves to work with young players. Under his tutelage, the likes of Anthony Gordon have really flourished.
However, he needs more talented players to come out of the academy who can cement their place on the senior side.
Darlington will be responsible for implementing and managing a coaching and player development programme at the club. His job is more of building on the existing philosophy in place, and how to better it.
He will work closely with the academy coaches at the club and will ensure a collaborative approach to developing the programme.
The academy has been restructured where Paul Tait and Leighton Baines were named the Under-21s and Under-18s Head Coaches respectively.
Likewise, James Vaughan was appointed as the Loans Pathways Manager.
Darlington will bring his vast experience to the club and will coaches like Baines and Tait will get to learn a lot from him.