Everton players could benefit as Kevin Thelwell lands another new job
Kevin Thelwell came to Everton with a difficult job on his hands back in 2022, but he could now help those at the Toffees in his new role.
Thelwell was appointed director of football at Everton four years ago before the Friedkin Group took over.
But during his time, there was little he could do to improve things due to the financial situation at the Merseyside club.
However, what he was able to do ended up putting himself under intense scrutiny by supporters, with his reputation among Toffees on the floor.
In the end, the Englishman would leave the Blues to join Rangers up in Glasgow; however, that role did not last him long.
He joined the Gers in April 2025 before leaving the following November. Since then, he has been out of work, but that has now changed.
Thelwell has joined up with the FA, and his prior experience at Everton could lead to an increase in opportunities for those at Hill Dickinson.
Kevin Thelwell joins the FA – here’s why Everton players could reap the rewards
Thelwell has been confirmed by the FA as the new Elite Coach Developer across both the men’s and women’s games.
While his role will be more closely linked to helping coaches rather than players, he will be reporting to Dan Ashworth, the chief football officer at the FA.
| English players in Everton’s first team (not international regulars) | At Everton under Thelwell? |
| Jarrad Branthwaite | Yes |
| James Tarkowski | Yes |
| Michael Keane | Yes |
| James Garner | Yes |
| Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall | No |
| Tim Iroegbunam | Yes |
| Harrison Armstrong | Yes |
| Tyrique George | No |
| Tyler Dibling | No |
| Dwight McNeil | Yes |
During his time at Everton, Thelwell would have become familiarised with many of the players at Finch Farm, and he could give them a recommendation to Ashworth.
Players in the youth set-up or even those in the first team could see themselves called up to represent England over the coming months.
It is an unexpected boost, but one that will wholeheartedly be welcomed by those in L3.
Which Everton players are knocking on the England door?
James Garner was one of Thelwell’s first pieces of business at Everton, signing him during his first transfer window as director of football.
Since then, Garner’s trajectory has been moving upwards, and he is surely close to being put into Thomas Tuchel’s plans.
If Tuchel is looking for more information on the versatile midfielder, Thelwell would certainly be the man to ask.
Additionally, Jarrad Branthwaite will be pushing to make the World Cup squad, with Harrison Armstrong likely eyeing a step up from England’s under-19s to the under-21s.
There are plenty of players that could be aided by Thelwell, and hopefully over the coming months we see more Toffees representing on the international stage.
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