Rastrick appointed Academy Director by Everton

He officially joins Everton on June 1st and will oversee all aspects of their Academy, “implementing a strategy across all age groups, focused on developing talent, building an elite environment and creating pathways into the men’s team.”

Rastrick replaces Gareth Prosser, who left the club in July 2025 to become Academy Director at Al Jazira Club in the United Arab Emirates. Carl Darlington, who has led Everton’s Academy on an interim basis since Prosser’s departure, is expected to return to his permanent role of Head of Coaching in the summer.

Meanwhile, Neil Dewsnip, who spent 17 years at Everton’s Academy (1996 to 2013), coaching talents like Wayne Rooney and Leon Osman, is returning in a consultancy role across Men’s, Women’s and Academy.

After leaving Everton, Dewsnip worked for the Football Association for six years, as Head Coach of England’s Under-17s, U18s and U20s, and was also Director of Football at Plymouth Argyle from 2019 to early 2025.

“I feel privileged to be joining this incredible club and Academy at what is an extremely exciting period in its history,” Rastrick said.

“Everton is renowned for its track record of developing young talent and, with the help and support of everyone at Finch Farm, I’m relishing the challenge of building on the strong foundations that are already in place.

“I know there are some really talented and committed people at Everton. Part of my role will be to create an environment within the Academy that supports and allows the players and staff to grow and evolve and, ultimately, operate at the highest level possible.”

Technical Director Nick Cox, himself a former Academy Director at Watford, Sheffield United and Manchester United, added: “We are excited to welcome Dean to Everton.

“The Academy Director role is vitally important within our football structure, so it was essential we conducted a thorough recruitment process to identify the person with the right qualities to take our Academy forwards.

“Dean is an expert in his field who has spent his entire career in youth development, working across English football, with Luton Town, Derby County and Norwich.

“However, I think the best reference point is the work he did over 13 years at Spurs, where he not only worked with some exceptional players during that period, but also built a reputation for developing staff, too.

“We are building an outstanding learning environment that is challenging, supportive but at the same time, creates some memorable experiences for the young people within our care. Dean’s leadership, experience and expertise will be central to delivering that vision.”

Dewsnip will also work closely with the Academy in his capacity as an advisor to the club’s Football Leadership Group, and Cox explained: “I’ve spent time with Neil over the years and have great respect for what he has achieved in the game. 

“He understands Everton and will have a valuable role to play in ensuring we act in keeping with the Club’s heritage and values, as we look to implement new ideas and keep pace with the latest innovations. 

“He will share his technical expertise on coaching, player development and programme delivery, as well as being a mentor for staff and providing session and game observations.

“We’ve already started to benefit from Neil’s input as he was part of the panel that led the Academy Director recruitment process, and he’s providing mentoring support to Scott Phelan following his appointment as Interim Head Coach of Everton Women.”

Everton placed fourth in TGG’s Academy Productivity Rankings for 2024/25, up from eighth the previous season.