Everton Under-21s defender Joe Anderson has secured his future with the Club by signing a two-year contract extension until the end of June 2024.
Stalybridge-born Anderson, who primarily plays as a centre-back but can also operate as a left-back, was a regular for the previously-known Under-23s throughout the 2021/22 campaign.
Prior to that, under the guidance of Head Coach Paul Tait, Anderson excelled for the Under-18s, helping secure a third-place finish in the U18 Premier League (North) and reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup.
Anderson will now be reunited with Tait for the Under-21s, a prospect he is excited by as he bids to continue his journey to First-Team football.
"I'm delighted," Anderson told evertonfc.com. "It was an easy process. I spoke with Kevin [Thelwell] and he's explained the next steps for me over these next two years – it's really exciting, with the new Academy structure.
"It felt perfect and I didn't have a second thought about signing the contract.
"It's amazing to get two years as well. It's a bit of security for me but it shows the Club have faith in me which is a big boost.
"I'm really looking forward to working with Taity again. He has been brilliant with me – and I know the rest of the lads would say the same. There was a real buzz when we heard he was going up to be Under-21s Head Coach.
"I believe I've played my best football under him.
"We’ve got a really good relationship and I feel like he's someone who can get the very best out of me and help me get ready for First-Team football.
"I'll be working at 100 per cent every day with the Under-21s, then if and when there are opportunities to impress the First-Team manager and his staff, I want to take them.
"You never know when they might happen so you always have to be ready and I'll make sure that I am."
Everton Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, said: “Joe has been with us since the age of 15 and his attitude and progression in that time have been very impressive.
“We have a clear plan for Joe to continue his development with us and look forward to helping him fulfil his potential.”
