Why Everton's latest academy appointments could be the club's smartest move this summer
Everton's academy revolution could prove to be a masterclass in the near future.
The Friedkin Group have already oversaw several changes at the youth level, including bringing in Dean Rastrick as Academy Director.
Nick Cox has also played a significant role in refining the Finch Farm system, in his role as Technical Director.
Paul Tait has departed his role as Everton Under-21s manager, after a 20-year stint with the Toffees.
The hope will be that the structure overhaul will lead to more players making the step up to the first-team.
David Moyes has not called upon many youngsters for the senior side, but that could change after the restructure, and it may be the best move of the summer.
Dave Hughes is the headline name in Everton academy restructure
Dave Hughes has been named as the new Under-21s manager for the Blues.
The release from the Toffees states that his role will be Head of Academy Player Development, and that he has worked with the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Jacob Ramsey and Harry Wilson.
That will make him the headline name, and fans will hope that he can make more household names of their own youth products.
Tom Curtis has joined from Manchester United, and he will take a post as Professional Development Phase (PDP) Senior Coach & Head of Training, according to the announcement.
Nick Chadwick, who played 21 times for the L3 club will also help Hughes, in his role as another PDP Senior Coach & Loans Development Manager.
Matthew Taylor, who played for Portsmouth, West Ham United and Bolton Wanderers, will take over the Under-18s.
Tom Kearney, who has been coaching with the Merseysiders for 15 years will help the former Walsall and Shrewsbury Town manager with his duties.
Why it could be the smartest move that Everton make this summer
The focus right now is on transfers, with Hayden Hackney and Tyrique George coming through the doors, but this may be more important.
It should mean a more streamlined pathway for the Blues' young products, which could make it the best move of the summer by the club.
The new staff structure will communicate on who is ready to step up to the next level, and hopefully that will see Moyes able to rely on them.
Only Jarrad Branthwaite and Harrison Armstrong have really made that leap in recent years, so it should allow the Scotsman to call upon more academy products.
Whether it works out, or fails miserably, remains to be seen, but it is an encouraging step from the ownership, as they clearly care about the youth approach and are taking it very seriously.