John Ebbrell has been promoted to the position of Head of Academy Coaching and Under-23s Assistant Manager at Everton.
The former Blues midfielder will oversee the Academy Coaching programme in support of David Unsworth, the Club’s Academy Director and Under-23s manager, whilst continuing his role as assistant to Unsworth.
Ebbrell returned to Everton in 2015 in an Academy coaching role, moving from his role as Tranmere Rovers’ Head of Academy. He went on to manage Everton’s Under-18s before his appointment as the Under-23s Assistant Manager in 2016.
During his time with the Under-23s, the young Blues have won two Premier League 2 titles – in 2016/17 and 2018/19. He is himself a product of the Club’s youth development system, coming through the ranks and going on to make 265 first-team appearances for his boyhood club between 1987-1997.
Ebbrell said: “This is an incredibly proud moment for me. This Club is running through my veins and being able to play an even bigger part in the development of our young players is an honour and a privilege. I am both thrilled at the opportunity and excited by what the future holds.”
Ebbrell’s promotion comes a month on from the expansion of Unsworth’s role at the Club, with the former Everton defender now the Director of Academy and Under-23s Manager. The pair were also part of the Everton side that progressed to Wembley in 1995 in the FA Cup under Joe Royle - sealing the trophy with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United, although Ebbrell narrowly missed out on a place on the bench for the Wembley-showpiece.
Unsworth said: “I am absolutely thrilled and delighted to announce that John Ebbrell will become Everton’s new Academy Head of Coaching. I have worked with John now for a number of years and can think of no one more suitable, qualified and perfect for this new role.
“John is a student of the game, a great thinker and an outstanding coach. He is embedded in The Everton Way and his upbringing is guided by the greatest coaches our Club has ever seen, Kendall, Harvey and Royle and now Carlo Ancelotti.
“I welcome John into the role and look forward to working alongside him for many years alongside Marcel, Carlo and our Academy coaches.
"This is an outstanding appointment and I can’t wait to see John's work moving forward.”
Director of Football, Marcel Brands, said: “The One Club ethos is so important at Everton. And the appointment of John into this role supports that vision. He will be a key figure in supporting the work of David, ensuring each transition phase for our young players is as smooth as possible through the cohesive and clear coaching structures John will oversee.
“Our ultimate objective is always to support the young players in order for them to become the very best they can be - as footballers and as people. Having the clear pathways and strong structures David is putting in place will deliver that. And John is a vital part of that work.”
