**Everton have appointed Dean Rastrick as their new academy director.**
Rastrick will be installed as Gareth Prosser’s permanent replacement when he takes up duties at Finch Farm on June 1 following an extensive search.
The 50-year-old arrives with a wealth of experience from his spells as Norwich’s assistant academy director and Tottenham’s academy manager.
During a 13-year spell in north London, he oversaw successes in the Premier League Cup, twice at under-17 level and once with the U18 age group.
Spurs’ academy also produced a number of future talents including Troy Parrott, Noni Madueke, Harry Winks, Marcus Edwards and Kyle Walker-Peters.
Rastrick returned to Norwich as head of football development following a spell as a leadership auditor for the Professional Game Academy Audit Company.
His arrival is set to be accompanied by the return of the Blues’ ex-youth coach Neil Dewsnip, who returns as an advisor to the football leadership group.
Dewsnip previously spent 17 years in the club’s academy ranks, where he coached the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ross Barkley and Leon Osman.
“I feel privileged to be joining this incredible club and academy at what is an extremely exciting period in its history,” said Rastrick.
“Everton is renowned for its track record of developing young talent and, with the help and support of everyone at Finch Farm, I’m relishing the challenge of building on the strong foundations that are already in place.
“I know there are some really talented and committed people at Everton.
“Part of my role will be to create an environment within the academy that supports and allows the players and staff to grow and evolve and, ultimately, operate at the highest level possible.”