Paul Tait has explained why Leighton Baines has all the right qualities as Everton's under-18s manager.
The former left-back was appointed to his new position in the summer, with his predecessor moving up to coach the under-21s this season after the departure of David Unsworth in the 2021/22 season. Those appointments came among a raft of behind-the-scenes changes that have taken place to help the club's academy process run smoothly and efficiently.
Everton's U18s narrowly lost their first two matches of this campaign, each by 3-2 scorelines to Nottingham Forest and Sunderland, but secured their first victory against Derby County at the beginning of this month. Tait has no doubt that Baines is the right man to lead the youngsters through the season and help them develop into strong players for he club.
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He told the Blues' official programme: "Leighton is such a professional and has got such high standards. He's carrying that over into his role now. He is meticulous in his planning.
"He is very detailed for someone who hasn't coached very long. He has obviously carried that over from his playing career. And, most importantly, he also is a really good guy.
"He is humble and he knows every day is an opportunity for him to learn. I think that's how he sees it when he comes into Finch Farm. With those priorities he's got, I don't think he'll go too far wrong.
"We need to discuss each individual player. We need to discuss his plan months in advance, so we know where that player is going.
"We've recruited some really good staff - Gareth [Prosser] being one of them. I think it's a really good time to be a young player at the club. We're moving forward quickly."
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