Leighton Baines has quickly established himself in the world of coaching alongside David Moyes at Finch Farm.
The 41-year-old has now been Moyes’ assistant coach at Everton for over a year following the Scot’s return to Merseyside.
Following his retirement, Baines spent a number of years working at Finch Farm as the manager of the U18s side.
Just over a week ago, Baines was scouting Everton’s U18s side at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on behalf of Moyes.
Harrison Armstrong made 22 appearances for the U18s during Baines’ tenure in the dugout.
The trust built up by the former Everton left-back with Moyes cannot be underestimated as he has become a key figure behind the scenes.
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That reputation is also apparent among the players as Baines is proving to be a popular figure back at Finch Farm.
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David Moyes has seen a lot of potential in Leighton Baines at Everton
Moyes had to be forced into signing Baines during his playing days, but the decision to appoint him as his assistant was all his own doing.
Baines took on the role as interim manager when Sean Dyche departed the club just over 12 months ago and he has retained his spot in the dugout ever since.
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Everton manager David Moyes folding his arms.
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Having worked with him over a long period on Merseyside, Moyes has been so impressed with Baines as an Everton coach.
“He’s played a huge role, and I’m really impressed by him,” Moyes said last year.
“There’s a lot of really good young coaches out there in world football, and I’d put Leighton in that area as well.”
Moyes puts a lot of value in loyalty and an understanding of what it means to be an Everton player.
Seamus Coleman is also blossoming behind the scenes under Moyes given his breadth of knowledge as an Everton legend.
Baines’ lack of experience in a senior side role did not deter Moyes from making him a key part of his staff, and it is a decision that is certainly paying off.
Everton players absolutely love Baines’ coaching methods at Finch Farm
He may now have been retired for six years, but Baines still gets involved in Everton training.
This is a former player who a lot of the Everton players will have watched growing up and even one who some will have played alongside.
Jake O’Brien hailed Baines’ coaching methods in trying to help the defenders transition into attack.
The Ireland international is not the only Everton player who has loved working under Baines.
Taking to Instagram, James Garner shared an image of him and Baines at Finch Farm, which he captioned ‘The main man’.
That speaks volumes of just how highly-rated and respected Baines has become as a coach by just about everyone at the club.
With just one year remaining on Moyes’ contract, it will be interesting to see where Baines’ future lies if the 62-year-old does depart Everton in 2027.
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