The Canaries academy chief was confirmed in his new role by the Premier League club earlier this month, bringing his second stint in Norfolk to a close after joining as Steve Weaver's successor back in June 2024.
But the Toffees have swooped to land the former Tottenham academy manager as they step up their football operations. Rastrick follows David Moyes' return and the hiring of one-time City sporting director candidate Nick Cox in moving to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Cox, who joined Everton as technical director after a nine-year stint as director of Manchester United's academy, explained why Rastrick fit the bill as their revamp behind the scenes continues.
“The Academy Director role is vitally important within our football structure, so it was essential we conducted a thorough recruitment process to identify the person with the right qualities to take our Academy forwards.
“Dean is an expert in his field who has spent his entire career in youth development, working across English football, with Luton Town, Derby County and Norwich," Cox said.
“However, I think the best reference point is the work he did over 13 years at Spurs, where he not only worked with some exceptional players during that period, but also built a reputation for developing staff, too.
“We are building an outstanding learning environment that is challenging, supportive but at the same time, creates some memorable experiences for the young people within our care. Dean’s leadership, experience and expertise will be central to delivering that vision.”
For Norwich, Cox’s praise is a reminder of the calibre of operator they are losing. But the prospect of helping to shape the next era of the Everton academy, as Moyes bids to get more local players into his first team, proved too much to turn down.
“I feel privileged to be joining this incredible club and Academy at what is an extremely exciting period in its history," Rastrick told Everton's official channels.
Everton manager David Moyes celebrates on the pitch after the Premier League match at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool.David Moyes is hoping to utilise the academy as a key pillar of his Everton project. (Image: PA)
“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.”
City is publicly advertising for a new football development director, a role they describe as 'a rare opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the long‑term football identity of Norwich City'.