Unsworth exits Everton after nine years to pursue manager ambitions
Unsworth made 350 appearances for Everton as a player
Written by Training Ground Guru — April 12, 2022
EVERTON Academy Director and Under-23s manager David Unsworth is leaving the club after nine years to pursue his “career aspirations” of becoming a first-team manager.
The former Toffees centre-half rejoined the club as U21s assistant in 2013, having previously been assistant manager of Preston North End and Sheffield United.
He progressed to become U23s boss, winning Premier League 2 in 2016/17 and 2018/19, and then Academy Director. The ex England international has twice taken caretaker charge of Everton’s first team - at the end of 2015/16 and for eight games in 2017.
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.”
Everton placed sixth in TGG's 2020/21 Academy Productivity Rankings.
