Everton: Jordan Pickford deal an emphatic endorsement of Kevin Thelwell
Jordan Pickford’s new deal at Everton is an “emphatic endorsement” of Director of Football Kevin Thelwell, according to Liverpool Echo journalist Joe Thomas.
Pickford signed a new long-term contract with Everton this week, agreeing to a new four-and-a-half-year deal that will keep him on Merseyside until 2027.
Journalist Thomas highlighted how Thelwell was pictured with England’s number one during his contract signing confessing to the key role he played.
“The agreement is also an emphatic endorsement of the work of director of football Kevin Thelwell, who oversees the club’s football operation and was pictured with him at his contract signing, and the new regime of Dyche,” said Thomas as quoted by the Liverpool Echo. (24 February)
“Pickford is perhaps more aware of the challenges facing Everton than most at the club. And yet he has chosen to extend his contract even as he is coveted elsewhere.”
Fair play.
Thelwell has faced mountains of criticism in recent months and has been questioned regularly over his poor transfer plans and tactics.
Nevertheless, the Director of Football deserves some credit for getting the Pickford deal over the line, especially given the club’s current league position.
A pivotal player committing his future to the club is exactly what the squad needs at this moment in time and hopefully, it will set a trend towards better talents joining the club.
Pickford’s importance to this Everton side is unquestionable and the countless amounts of times he has saved the Toffees in recent years can’t be forgotten.
It did seem like the England shot-stopper would be calling an end to his time at Goodison Park after this season, however, Thelwell and co have obviously worked some magic in this one.
With one of the world’s best goalkeepers, committing his future to the Toffees, things are starting to look a lot brighter on the Blue half of Merseyside.