Under-21s boss Alan Stubbs says the addition of yet another former Blue to the Everton coaching staff can only be good for the Club’s aspiring gang of would-be protégés.
Everton confirmed the appointment of David Unsworth as Stubbs’ assistant manager on Monday, with the ex-Toffees defender also joining fellow Goodison favourites Alan Irvine, Kevin Sheedy and Duncan Ferguson on the back room books.
“It’s great,” Stubbs told evertontv. “You’ve got myself, David, Duncan and other ex-players working here who know what it’s like to play for the team that they love – and that can only be very positive for the football club and the groups that they’re working with.
“I knew David had been out of work and I put it to the manager about him coming in to help me out because with David Weir leaving I was a man down and I needed someone to help me share the workload.
“I put it to Unsy and, to be honest, as soon as I mentioned it to him he couldn’t wait to get in and I’m made up for him. He’s a great lad, he’s obviously a big favourite with the fans, but not just that – I’ve worked with him on the coaching side of things and he’s a very good coach, and that’s the reason I’ve got him in.
“We’ve got a really good relationship and he knows what I need from him. He’ll be a great addition for the Under-21 group – for me and for the players.”
Unsworth returns to the Club having previously held coaching roles at Preston North End and Sheffield United.
It was actually Irvine who gave the 1995 FA Cup winner his first back room job at Deepdale four seasons ago.
And Stubbs believes he’s now inheriting a coach with experience way beyond his 39 years.
He said: “He will have learnt a lot from his experiences so far. David is very enthusiastic, he’s very knowledgeable, he’s a really good coach and they’re the reasons I’ve asked the manager to bring him in.
“As I say, I think he’s going to be a great addition, he’ll bring that experience and share it with the players and I’m looking forward to working with him.”