Naismith: Why Baines Is The Perfect Fit For Everton

Steven Naismith believes the calmness and quiet intensity of former teammate Leighton Baines makes him the perfect fit to help boss David Moyes lead Everton into an exciting new era.

After retiring following the 2019/20 season, Baines immediately took up a role in the Club’s Academy as a Professional Development Coach, before becoming Under-18s Head Coach in October 2021 and briefly serving as interim manager – alongside Seamus Coleman – earlier this year.

Since Moyes retook the managerial reins, Baines has become a permanent member of the Men’s Senior Team coaching staff.

One person who knows Baines well is former Blues teammate Naismith, who has stayed in touch with Baines after leaving Goodison Park in 2016, having shared the pitch with the iconic left-back on almost 100 occasions during his time with the Toffees.

It was then – as a player – Naismith saw first hand the qualities that now define Baines as a coach.

“We built up a really good friendship football-wise but also off the park, which was great,” said Naismith, who was in attendance for the 1-1 draw against Arsenal earlier this month, told evertonfc.com.

“Bainesy is somebody who wants to make sure he’s making the right choice, and then when he’s done it, you do see his knowledge and his understanding.

“I think the way he sees the game is different, and the way he teaches it. Even when I was playing with him, the way he would describe different situations – he delivered it in a different, really clear way.

“I know, 100 per cent, he will have helped the Academy players that he was dealing with, and now that he’s stepped up, it will be the same for the senior players as well because he’s very good.”

For Naismith, Baines’ presence is about more than tactics, it is about restoring a culture that, he believes, Everton have been missing in recent times.

“The biggest thing I noticed when I came to the Club was what it means to play with Everton, what’s accepted, what’s not,” continued Naismith.

“I think it has been lost a bit over the years.

“From having contact with a lot of people at the Club over the years, Baines and Seamus [Coleman] have been the two constants, but I think since [Moyes] came back, you can see how much influence he wants to put on that togetherness, the understanding, the people who have got Everton at heart.

“He wants them in and about the Club, and I think it’s so valuable.”