Dan Friedkin
(Credit: Imago)
Goodison News speaking to Bryan King
Sun 22 June 2025 12:10, UK
Everton are continuing to make sweeping changes following The Friedkin Group’s takeover on Merseyside.
The return of David Moyes and the move to a new stadium have reinvigorated Everton’s loyal fanbase after years of negativity and marginal Premier League survival.
There is excitement at what the squad will look like next season, too, as the Toffees have been linked with far higher-calibre players in the transfer market, including the likes of Aleksandar Mitrović.
TFG are also restructuring the backroom staff, and look set to pull off a coup following the latest advancement with a Manchester United figure.
David Moyes Everton
Moyes’ return has restored optimism to the Everton faithful (Credit: Imago)
Everton close to bringing in United’s academy director Nick Cox
In a bid to give Moyes extra support, TFG are set to bring in a former colleague of the Scotsman in James Smith, from Manchester City, to head the scouting and recruitment department.
MORE TOFFEES STORIES
In addition, as reported by iNews (18 June), Everton are set to lure Manchester United academy director Nick Cox to work in a newly created senior role at the club, with the move at an advanced stage.
Gareth Prosser’s departure last month has left a vacancy at the top of Everton’s academy, and Cox’s reputation made him a prime target for the Toffees.
However, ex-Goodison scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – isn’t sure how much of a coup the appointment of Cox will be.
“Everton have obviously offered him more power,” King said.
“The job must be more structured than the job he is leaving in Manchester. However, it isn’t like he’s leaving United on a winning note. They didn’t win the FA Youth Cup, and things haven’t been great in their academy.
“If Cox is so highly rated, why isn’t more being done to keep him at United? I think Everton are rebuilding a team on the recruitment side. The most important thing at a football club is recruitment, and that hasn’t changed.
“However, I don’t think this decision is going to make much of a difference. As far as a coup goes, I’m not so sure. I think it is just another standard move to bring in a member of staff to make that area more positive.”
Everton buyer Dan Friedkin
Everton owner Dan Friedkin (Credit: Imago)
Everton shake-up must translate to the pitch
It was expected that new owners would bring in sweeping changes across the board, and TFG’s intent to restore the Blues to a more functional business with better operators is a positive step.
However, ultimately, their work will be judged on how these appointments affect what happens on the pitch on a weekly basis.
Everton are yet to strengthen their very thin playing squad, and if the club do not get next season off to a good start, all the optimism and excitement will quickly drain away.
Sign up for the Goodison News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Everton news sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts