Simon Jordan questions ‘strange’ behind-the-scenes deal between Southampton and Everton on talkSPORT
Simon Jordan has questioned the “strange” decision from Southampton’s head of recruitment to join Everton.
Dan Rice is closing in on a move to become the Merseyside outfit’s new head of emerging talent, according to The Athletic (18 April).
The switch comes with both Everton and Southampton heavily involved in a Premier League relegation battle.
“On the face of it, there is a mass exodus at Southampton,” White said live on talkSPORT. “I’m not talking about players going because it’s not the time of the season for that, I’m talking about behind the scenes.
“Another one to add to the growing numbers of this exodus, managing director Toby Steele is said to be departing after seven years of service. He follows director of football Matt Crocker and head of youth recruitment Dan Rice out the door – Rice is off to Everton incidentally.”
Jordan responded: “Well, someone going to Everton is a strange one because they’ve hardly done very well in their aspects, and they’re one of their rivals.”
Interesting switch
A struggling Premier League club would be very reluctant to let a player join a rival, and the same can be said for any movement off the pitch, which does indeed make this a strange decision.
The Saints are currently undergoing a mass exodus, so the latest departures come as no surprise, but Everton are taking a gamble on bringing in someone from a failing club.
Sitting rock bottom of the Premier League table with 23 points, many believe Southampton have already been consigned to the Championship, with many of their people behind the scenes perhaps realising just how much difficulty the club will soon be in.
But the Toffees are just four points ahead of them, with only goal difference keeping the Merseyside outfit out of the relegation zone.
Money may well be a factor in such decisions off the pitch, but the news comes as another blow for the Saints who are all but relegated.