Everton have confirmed academy director David Unsworth is set to leave the club to pursue his ambition of becoming a first-team manager elsewhere. The Blues have not confirmed any timeframe on his departure as of yet.
He was appointed as the club's assistant under-21 manager in 2013 having been assistant at both Preston North End and Sheffield United. He has been in charge of the under-23s for a number of years and has led them to the Premier League 2 title in both 2017 and 2019, before ascending to his current role of academy director.
He has also stepped up to take caretaker charge of the Everton senior side on two occasions. As a player, he made 350 appearances for the Blues in two spells for the club and was part of the FA Cup winning side in 1995.
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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.”
