Everton's academy director Gareth Prosser believes that he can "ask no more" of Frank Lampard's attitude in developing young players at the club.
The Blues have benefitted from a strong history of producing talented players through the academy, and recently have utilised Anthony Gordon and Tom Davies regularly in the side in keeping up that trend. The new manager, meanwhile, has made no secret of his desire to work with some of the club's under-21 stars - giving them opportunities to step up to first team training and matchday squads in the past.
Prosser believes that attitude is going to be vital in achieving the club's academy ambition in the future. And, he knows that he and all of the staff at the club play a crucial role in developing the right talent for the senior side.
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He told evertontv : "With Frank's history, with his recognition at Derby of giving players an opportunity and then again at Chelsea, then also hearing about players being involved in training and first team squads. It's what we want and we can ask no more really.
"Our job is to make sure Frank and his team are provided with players that are capable of initially training and then playing to support their ambition.
"There's nothing more rewarding to an academy staff, or a first team staff, who's played a part in that player's development than seeing them then playing at Goodison Park in front of 40,000 people.
"That's why we're here and what we're motivated to do, creating a pathway for more players to have that opportunity. Then as a fan, to have one of your own working their socks off to get three points is great. It's so rewarding.
"Let's hope for the players it gives them recognition that there is a pathway and an opportunity."
It's not just the first team staff that Prosser will have a strong relationship with, however. Under-21s manager Paul Tait and under-18s coach Leighton Baines will also be two people working closely with the academy director.
He added: "I'm fortunate that I've known Paul Tait over the years, I've come up against him as an opposition coach and often gone home on the losing side! And obviously I'll get to know Leighton over the coming days and weeks.
"They're two really important cogs, as well as the support staff who work with them and the rest of the coaches throughout the academy. My job will be to support them, challenge them and hopefully make sure they give their best on a daily basis."
The Blues also recently announced the arrival of James Vaughan as the new loans pathway manager earlier this month. Prosser briefly explained what the former Everton striker's role would entail, and described how he would fit in with the rest of the club's staff.
He remarked: "James is well known at the club with his background here as a player, and it's been great to see him over the last couple of days. How quickly he's integrated into the staff and the workings of the academy.
"The role is important in supporting the development and pathway of players into the first team. There are different pathways for different individuals - some are able to make the step directly from the academy into the first team squad, or they sometimes need a loan.
"That role that James will play is working closely with the staff to identify the players' needs, supporting the players to get the right loan and then reporting back into senior club staff here. It's a hugely important role and one we're really excited about."
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