Kevin Thelwell highlighted identity, recruitment and development as the cornerstones of his Everton project and, almost seven months on, he is sticking to his plan.
Since his appointment in February, the director of football has overseen a Finch Farm revolution that has led to an influx of talent, ideas and respected minds. They have included a range of figures from the world of football, including former colleagues from his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers. He has also given new opportunities to familiar faces, promoting Paul Tait and Leighton Baines and bringing James Vaughan back to the club.
Throughout the changes, the vision set out by Thelwell after he moved from the US to Merseyside has remained consistent. And as his appointments have offered an insight into their own views, the values underpinning that strategy have been clear: Thelwell does not just want to oversee short-term progress. He wants to build for Everton's future.
