Everton have confirmed the departure of long-serving Academy coach Paul Tait as part of a wider restructuring of the Club’s youth development programme ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The Club announced a series of leadership changes within the Academy setup following a strategic review led by Technical Director Nick Cox and new Academy Director Dean Rastrick.
However, the most notable change for many Evertonians is the end of Tait’s 16-year association with the Academy.
In a statement, Everton confirmed:
“The Club can also confirm that, as part of wider changes, Paul Tait has left the Club, with the position of Under-21s Head Coach not part of the new structure. Moving forward, the Under-21s will be led by Dave Hughes as part of his wider remit as Head of Academy Player Development.”
Tait has been a familiar figure within Everton’s youth setup for more than a decade and a half, overseeing the development of numerous Academy prospects during his time at Finch Farm.
The restructuring follows the arrival of Dean Rastrick, who formally took up his position as Academy Director in June. Several appointments have been confirmed as part of the new-look structure, including Carl Darlington as Head of Academy Coach Development, Dave Hughes as Head of Academy Player Development, Ben Dickson as Head of Academy Recruitment and Nick Chadwick as PDP Senior Coach & Loans Programme Manager.
Speaking about the changes, Cox said the Club’s focus is on creating “an outstanding learning environment” for young players and coaches.
“We’ve spent the last six months conducting a strategic review of our Academy structure and these changes and appointments are part of that process,” Cox told Everton’s official website.