Written by
Ian Westbrook
July 8, 2026
Everton Under-21s Head Coach Paul Tait is leaving the club after 20 years following a six-month “strategic review” of their Academy by Technical Director Nick Cox.
His role no longer exists in the new Academy leadership structure, with former Newport County manager Dave Hughes taking over the Under-21s as part of his wider remit, having been appointed to the new role of Head of Academy Player Development.
Hughes, sacked by Newport in November after six months in charge, worked with Cox at Manchester United after being appointed as their Under-21s Assistant in July 2022.
Cox, our guest on Episode #15 of the TGG Podcast, left Old Trafford last summer after nine years to take up his role with Everton. He moved to Manchester United from Sheffield United in 2016.
His restructure started with the appointment of Academy Director Dean Rastrick, who took up his role in June.
The other changes have seen Carl Darlington named Head of Academy Coach Development, Ben Dickson promoted to Head of Academy Recruitment and Nick Chadwick appointed as Professional Development Phase Senior Coach and Loans Programme Manager.
Darlington has been Interim Academy Director for the past year after Gareth Prosser moved to Al Jazira, while Dickson joined the Toffees in October 2024 as Assistant Head of Academy Recruitment for his second spell at the club, having previously been a Scout for almost two years. He has also worked for Preston, Manchester United and Crewe.
Former Everton striker Chadwick joined the club for the third time in August 2025 as Individual Development Lead Coach.
‘Ultimate dream’
Tait joined Everton in July 2006 as a Youth Coach and during his time with the Toffees played a part in players like Anthony Gordon and Ross Barkley going from the Academy into the first team.
Posting on LinkedIn, he said: “My greatest pride lies in the journey of the players. From guiding young talent through Youth Development, to managing the elite competitive environment of the Under-21s and overseeing the crucial first team transition, it has been an absolute privilege to play a part in the pathway of 32 players progressing through the ranks and achieving the ultimate dream of making their senior Everton debuts. It is something I will carry with me for ever.”
Paying tribute to Tait, Cox said: “I’d like to thank Paul for his passion, dedication, loyalty and commitment during his time at Everton and everyone at the club wishes him all the very best for the future.”
‘Outstanding learning environment’
Cox said: “Our focus is on building an outstanding learning environment that is challenging, nurturing and supportive. To achieve that, it’s essential we identify and empower leaders who can drive standards, and create a culture where players and coaches can fulfil their potential.
“Dean’s arrival is key to that vision. He arrives with a truly exceptional CV. His extensive experience across respected youth systems – including Norwich City, Tottenham Hotspur, Luton Town, and Derby County – alongside his impactful work with the Premier League’s Professional Game Academy Audit Company gives him incredible insight and expertise in all aspects of player development and driving Academy excellence.”
Everton were fourth in the TGG Academy Productivity Rankings for 2024/25.
Follow Us
For latest updates, follow us on X at @ground_guru
