Everton Under-18s assistant manager Phil Jevons has saluted the squad’s “100-per-cent commitment” to self-improvement, as the young Blues seek to build on an encouraging 1-1 draw with league champions Manchester City last weekend.
A late equaliser from 15-year-old Martin Sherif earned Everton a deserved point against City at USM Finch Farm – and the Toffees will strive to head into the upcoming international break on a high with victory at Middlesbrough on Saturday (12.30pm BST).
Jevons moved into his new role as assistant to Under-18s manager Paul Tait this summer following four years as the Club’s Under-16s head coach.
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He provided an insight into the encouraging and challenging environment the staff seek to create each day in training – and paid tribute to the players’ application on and off the field.
“Development is at the heart of everything we do,” said Jevons, who made nine senior appearances for Everton after coming through the Club’s Academy as a young player.
“The expectations are for everyone to strive to be the best they can possibly be – in terms of their attitude in training and the way they live off the pitch – to give themselves the best opportunity to perform.
“When that comes together and you’re performing well on a regular basis, then there’s a chance they’ll move on to the next stage [of their careers] and get a pro contract.
“I must say, the players have shown 100 per cent commitment to every training session.
“I can’t fault them in any way regarding that.”
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Everton’s youth development programme underwent a restructure last September, with Under-23s boss David Unsworth becoming the Club’s Director of Academy.
Unsworth has spoken of his desire to implement “a clear philosophy” throughout the Academy and Jevons explained how he has benefitted from working closely with the former Blues defender.
“David’s been great for everyone, in terms of challenging us to work in a slightly different way,” he explained
“He’s been very supportive to all the staff in terms of how he wants things done.
“He’s been hands on in the training sessions, too.
“Working with people like David and John Ebbrell, with all the experience they have got, can only help us.”
