David Unsworth is set to leave his position as the Club’s Academy Director and Under-23s manager to pursue his ambition of becoming a first-team manager.
Unsworth was appointed Everton assistant Under-21 manager in 2013 following roles in the Championship, including assistant manager at Preston North End and assistant manager at Sheffield United.
Since joining Everton’s coaching staff, he has progressed into his current role of Academy Director and Under-23 manager and overseen significant success for the Under-23 side - winning PL2 in 2016/17 and the PL2 league and cup double in 2018/19.
He has twice taken caretaker charge of Everton’s First Team - at the end of the 2015/16 season and for eight games in 2017.
In terms of player development, Unsworth has overseen progression to the First Team of several young players, including current regular First-Team players Tom Davies, Anthony Gordon, Jonjoe Kenny, Mason Holgate and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
As a player, he made 350 appearances for Everton in two spells between 1992 and 1997 and 1998 and 2004 and was part of the winning FA Cup side in 1995 – the year in which he made his international debut.
Unsworth said: “This has been one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my career.
“Everyone knows what Everton means to me, it has been my whole life and I have loved every minute of my time here.
“However, to give me the best chance of achieving my career aspirations – and becoming a permanent first team manager – I believe now is the right time for me to move on.
“I would like to thank everyone I have worked with over the last nine years and the Owner and Chairman for the opportunities they have given me and for their unstinting support.
“Everton is an amazing club and a club I will love forever – I wish everyone connected with Everton, every success in the future.”
Chairman Bill Kenwright added: “Since coming back to Everton as a coach, Unsie has shown everyone what he is - a great coach… a great Evertonian… and a winner.
“While we’re sad to see someone with his talent and love for the Club moving on, we completely understand and respect his decision.
“On behalf of everyone at Everton, I wish him well for what I am sure will be a successful career in management.
“From everyone at Everton, thank you and good luck, Unsie.”
