Former Everton under-18s assistant manager Phil Jevons has joined Rochdale's first-team coaching staff.
Jevons, who has been working with the Rochdale squad in the last couple of weeks, has joined Jim Bentley’s backroom staff as first-team coach on a part-time basis. Bentley’s coaching staff also includes former Blues forward Nick Chadwick.
A graduate of Everton’s Academy, Jevons made nine senior appearances for the Blues following his debut in March 1999, and represented a number of Football League clubs, including Grimsby Town, Yeovil Town and Bristol City during his playing career.
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And it was during his time with Grimsby when he left Anfield stunned.
A League Cup tie between the Reds and the Mariners looked to be heading for penalties before Jevons let fly with a 35-yard winner that flew into Chris Kirkland's net just eight seconds from the end of extra-time to secure his side a memorable 2-1 win.
Following his retirement from playing, Jevons moved into coaching, and after four years as Everton under-16 head coach, he then moved up to become assistant manager to then under-18s boss Paul Tait.
Jevons departed Everton for Sunderland last September, but he left the Stadium of Light during the summer following a backroom staff shake-up by Alex Neil. Since then, the 43-year-old has started his own coaching company in Liverpool.
“It’s been really good. I’ve known the gaffer for a long time,” Jevons said on his appointment. “He’s made me very welcome, and the lads have been brilliant with me so far.
"Everybody has engaged in all the sessions that we’ve done, and it’s been really enjoyable. I want to use my expertise, which is around the attacking third and working with the attacking unit.
“That’s what I’ve been doing, although the gaffer and Chaddy [Nick Chadwick] have got me doing more than I expected! But it’s all good and I’m enjoying it so far.”
While Rochdale boss Bentley added: “Jevo is a fantastic person and a great professional. He’s got good experience from Everton.
“He’s highly regarded, well-liked and respected within the game. With his time at Everton and Sunderland, he’s been involved in both the youth side and first team side, which is a big positive.
“And having been here at Rochdale before, he knows the football club and worked extremely hard with certain players who have gone on to do really well. I’m sure he’ll be an asset to the football club.”
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