Royle back at Everton

, 14 July, 56comments  |  Jump to most recent
Former manager takes up developmental role
Everton have announced that Joe Royle has returned to the club in a player-development role just weeks after accepting a football consulting position at Norwich City.

The Goodison legend and former manager held talks with Everton at the end last season about joining Roberto Martinez's backroom staff but elected to link up with Neil Adams at Carrow Road instead.

Now, however, the 65-year-old is back at Everton, the club he represented with distinction as a striker in the 1960s and 1970s before moving into management, with the Blues' persistence — given more urgency, perhaps by the departures of Alan Irvine and Alan Stubbs — apparently paying off this summer.

Royle cut his managerial teeth with a long spell at Oldham Athletic before succeeding Howard Kendall as boss at Goodison Park in 1994. He led the Blues to their last trophy in 1995 before parting ways with the club in March 1997.

He will assist Martinez in the scouting and recruitment of players at Everton and the Catalan welcomed what he described as the "first major change in [the] structure of player development" at Everton.

Chairman Bill Kenwright was similarly pleased at the new appointment, saying:

Developing more young players is really important to us and we know Joe will play an important role in helping us achieve these aims.

Meanwhile, Royle told evertonfc.com that, It's great to be back. Everyone knows how much Everton means to me — it has been in my blood for over 50 years.

I admire what Roberto achieved in his debut season and I am really looking forward to working alongside him.



I made my debut for Everton as a 16-year-old so I understand what it means to be a young player coming through at this football club. I'm looking forward to using my experience to help the players we have here.

I was happy with my role at Norwich City and wouldn't have considered an offer from any other club than Everton. It's like coming home for me."

 

Reader Comments (56)

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Colin Glassar
1 Posted 14/07/2014 at 19:26:32
Strange one this.
Dermot O'Brien
2 Posted 14/07/2014 at 19:29:53
At last, a striker.
Wayne Smyth
3 Posted 14/07/2014 at 19:33:50
Strange in what way colin?
Derek Knox
4 Posted 14/07/2014 at 19:34:11
Dermot # 2

Not only that, but by Royle Appointment!

Paul Ferry
5 Posted 14/07/2014 at 19:37:01
Who was it a little while back – remember – on the thread announcing that Big Joe was moving to Norwich, called a true legend a traitor/turncoat? A disgusting comment at the time that now seems rather... well, dumb.
Bill Griffiths
6 Posted 14/07/2014 at 19:43:05
This seems strange to me also Wayne in that there were reports that Joe would be taking up this role here, then the next minute he's accepted a job with Neil Adams at Norwich.

He's only just got through the door at Norwich then now he's back at Goodison in the role he appeared to have declined. There's probably a good reason for this but it does seem a little strange don't you think?

Dan Parker
7 Posted 14/07/2014 at 19:44:35
Best signing of the summer. Hopefully he can have a similar impact to the great Colin Harvey.

Big Dunc, Joe Royle, Unsy. Love the fact we’re putting Goodison Greats to use, hopefully a big inspiration to the young lads coming through.

Dan Parker
8 Posted 14/07/2014 at 19:52:13
Maybe he had a misunderstood meeting with Bill, like the one he had with Peter Johnson!
Wayne Smyth
9 Posted 14/07/2014 at 20:03:16
Think its a great appointment for the club and Royle too.

Perhaps his change of heart had something to do with Stubbs leaving for Hibs?

The first time when I heard Royle's name mentioned I recall the job was reported as an ambassadorial duty. Now in the skysports article it mentions coaching. Maybe its a bit more of a hands-on role now?

Michael Evans
10 Posted 14/07/2014 at 20:06:30
Given his age, is a 3-year deal wise?

Back up or impact player at best.

Julian Wait
11 Posted 14/07/2014 at 20:10:19
Can he track back and defend?
Sue Brown
12 Posted 14/07/2014 at 20:14:23
Wayne #9

Good point you make, I also wondered if his U-turn was something to do with Stubbs going.

Great news anyway, always happy to see Big Joe in his rightful home.

Frank Crewe
13 Posted 14/07/2014 at 19:54:43
Brazil just sacked their 65 year old manager. England's 66 year old manager was a complete flop. Russia's 68 year old manager ditto. Now we've just appointed a 65 year old to develop young players. Although by his standards anyone under 50 is young. I'm sure he's totally up to date with cutting edge coaching techniques. These antiques never retire gracefully do they. When the rest of us are looking forward to collecting our pensions they're just getting started. Football is riddled with relics who don't know when to pack in. Outside of managing Oldham for 9 games in 2009 he hasn't done any coaching since he "retired" in 2006.

How will a man this old relate to players more than 45 years his junior?

What next. Bring back Mick Lyons. Or is whipper snapper of 62 too young?

Eugene Ruane
14 Posted 14/07/2014 at 20:01:30
How timely - "JOE JOE MEXICO!!" we screamed in games leading up to the World Cup Finals in Mexico 1970 (presumably WBA had a more persuasive chant that included a rhyme for Astle).

He should have gone too, he was only a couple of goals shy of Astle who finished top scorer (er... I think... memory getting thingy) and Royle was part of a title-winning side.

Anyway, made up he’s back, this is a smart man, a feller with a great brain and an Everton legend.

Can’t see any negatives at all.

And I still think his post Spurs semi-final (95) remarks maybe the greatest ever uttered by an Everton manager to the press after a game:

"Sorry about the dream final lads, but bollocks to you... and that’s a double-’L’."

Paul Dark
15 Posted 14/07/2014 at 20:31:49
Hope this works - don't think it will. Royle is a difficult character.
Colin Glassar
16 Posted 14/07/2014 at 20:30:35
Strange that he was offered the job but decided sunny Norwich was a better destination Wayne, then after a month he changes his mind and returns. I'm glad but I'm not exactly sure what his role is going to be.
Jamie Crowley
17 Posted 14/07/2014 at 20:29:22
How many titles did SAF win in his sixties?

Age plays a part to be sure, but 60s can be young to put someone out to pasture.

I hope they don't do it to me when I'm in my 60s...

Older men having been through the ranks can be an invaluable source of experience, wisdom, and counsel to younger players.

Jeff Armstrong
18 Posted 14/07/2014 at 20:38:11
Maybe the role has changed than when first offered, with Stubbs and Irvine going.

Best quote I can remember was after Rideout had a goal chalked off at Stamford Bridge.... "I can only think it was disallowed for heavy breathing."

Patrick Murphy
19 Posted 14/07/2014 at 20:38:56
I don't think difficult is a term I would use to describe Joe Royle, I would imagine most football managers could be described as difficult depending on the situation.

What can't be denied is his love of the club and his knowledge of what the fans expect of their players - he might not have managed Everton at the right time under the right Chairman but make no mistake Joe will always give of his best to help Everton FC. Dealing with parents and young players and their representatives will be like falling off a log for Big Joe he has a charming personality and hopefully he will be an asset to Everton FC in his new role.

Phil Walling
20 Posted 14/07/2014 at 21:02:24
Loved him to bits but he's a bit long in the tooth to be dealing with 'modern' kids.

Smacks of a BB appointment this......the natural successor of dear Dave Hickson ?

Patrick Murphy
21 Posted 14/07/2014 at 21:15:48
Phil,

I know quite a few 'Grandparents' who have a better relationship and more influence over their children's children than the parents themselves – experience is an undervalued asset in the modern world.

Dan McKie
22 Posted 14/07/2014 at 21:17:49
Bit of cheap positive PR by the club. Tug at the heart strings to make them shut up about the purse strings. We won't need to sign a player ever again. First Dunc, then Unsworth, now Royle. I'd rather us be spending time and money bringing in players to actually play.
Michael Kenrick
23 Posted 14/07/2014 at 21:46:29
Tremendous news. Always had a soft spot for our Joe. Excellent choice by Roberto, providing a mix of Everton tradition allied with (hopefully) some new European thinking in and around the back rooms.
Jamie Yates
24 Posted 14/07/2014 at 21:53:03
I like the erasing of Mike Walker in Everton history in this article. Like the way The Clash gloss over Cut The Crap. Best way forward I think we can all agree, please do not feel any need to amend Lyndon.
Jay Harris
25 Posted 14/07/2014 at 22:08:57
Great appointment.

I am really delighted for Joe and the club.

Even though RM can't manage – LOL – he sure knows about being Everton.

Sean Kelly
26 Posted 14/07/2014 at 22:26:19
Not so sure about this. He went to Norwich for exciting times and turned around in the revolving door. Maybe Delia’s cooking is not that great after all.

Hope it works but might be a bit long in the tooth for the modern game. I would rather see us sign a couple of players and get replacements for Stubbs and Irvine.

John Malone
27 Posted 14/07/2014 at 22:31:27
Might win a derby with Big Joe on board!
John Audsley
28 Posted 14/07/2014 at 22:34:55
Superb appointment and really made up. Last EFC manager to win something and has huge respect. Moyes thought a top 6 finish was winning something but Joe actually did. Blue to the core and a superb player.
Raymond Fox
29 Posted 14/07/2014 at 22:27:10
Frank 13, just watch it pal, calling us oldies 'relics', mature is the correct term or in my case, very mature!

Always liked Joe, a personable chap, but has always come across as his own man.

Roberto is going after this 'Everton Academy' idea in a big way, its plain he can see as things stand it's our best chance; we're never going to buy success, are we?

Whether he can pull it off is the big question, but it has to be worth a shot. Exciting stuff!

James Stewart
30 Posted 14/07/2014 at 23:10:28
Does this count as a signing? I'm counting it.
Christine Foster
31 Posted 14/07/2014 at 22:58:52
Restoration of intent. Over the past decade under Moyes, it must have been pretty heartbreaking to be an up-and-coming teenager trying to make the grade. The belief they could make it disappeared before our eyes, never mind theirs. I wonder how many players would have made it if motivated by the style of RM and the motivation of JR?

Frank Crewe, one thing age brings, if you're lucky to get there, is credibility if you have been there and been successful. Having someone like that to look up to for guidance, rather than someone doing a 9-5 job, can make all the difference in the world.

Football is played on the pitch but, before that, it's a game of motivation and strategy, the motivation to work hard to be very very good, and then how to play the game itself. Credibility is the best motivator. Welcome back, Joe Royle.

Ant Dwyer
32 Posted 14/07/2014 at 23:17:54
Big Joe is back!!

Surely that's great news.

Jason Lam
33 Posted 15/07/2014 at 02:23:17
Great to see Joe Royle back in whatever capacity! People are becoming more healthy and at 60 the brain is still very active and capable.
Gerry Quinn
34 Posted 15/07/2014 at 02:35:10
I'm in my 60's - be bloody careful whatcha say!
Jimmy Hill
35 Posted 15/07/2014 at 03:53:42
Nice one, Dermot; love it.
Karl Masters
36 Posted 14/07/2014 at 22:33:05
Great point about the derby games. We always went in to them to win. His record at Anfield was two draws and a win.

Think that kind of positive and fearless attitude allied to his pragmatic way of getting things done will dovetail very nicely with Roberto. Definitely a good influence about the place.

Can people please stop bringing our Summer transfer activity into every thread. You know full well there has been a World Cup going on, it only finished two days ago. What did you really expect? Be patient!

Andy Meighan
37 Posted 15/07/2014 at 08:14:25
Get him in the dressing room before the derby and he'll let them know what beating that shite means to us. Unlike OFM, he let them worry about us – not the other way round. That said, I haven't forgot Martinez's aberration there last season... but I'm sure I'll forgive him in time.

Welcome back, Joe... Legend!

Mark Cooper
38 Posted 15/07/2014 at 08:22:58
Even at his age, he still has a good few years ahead in a mentoring/coaching role, always a good positive influence on the club.

I have every confidence in Roberto and hope he gets to build something big here but if Barcelona come calling in a couple of years, then Royle's relationship as a mentor with Ferguson could prove to be invaluable.

Joe Bibb
39 Posted 15/07/2014 at 09:28:17
We have just watched Germany win the World Cup after a 10-year youth plan... Roberto is young passionate and believes in youth.

Joe Royle was a great Everton player, the last Everton manager to win a trophy. Not everything is done on the pitch.

To those who complain about his age, I say this: "Will he have to be fit and running around or will his brain take the strain?"

Joe Royle reminds me of another great Everton 'Joe' – Joe Mercer, a wonderful man a successful manager and a Blue.

Jamie Yates
40 Posted 15/07/2014 at 09:38:47
Well said, Joe Bibb!
Terence Leong
41 Posted 15/07/2014 at 09:34:06
In the absence of money, we can only focus on what else we can control.
This is a good move. We are focused on getting the leadership right. So many of us lament it's the lack of leadership at the very top (chairman, board) that hinders us. Well, at least what we can affect is the immediate levels of leadership, the coaches, the manager, the scouts etc.

They will make a big impact to the players, helping to imbue them loyalty, right education and an Evertonian core. I am looking forward to a conveyor belt of young players to take this club forward.

Simon Jones
42 Posted 15/07/2014 at 09:43:25
From my reading, he will have more of a scouting role. Not sure how much "work" he will be doing with kids only just old enough to have him as a granddad. Made up he is back, though; appointing the right ex-players to roles within the club keeps the traditions of Everton alive.
Dave Roberts
43 Posted 15/07/2014 at 09:36:59
Should Lukaku actually come back to Everton in whatever capacity, loanee or on a contract, Joe should be given a bit of overtime, take him personally under his wing, show him how to hold the ball up, bring others into play, how to throw his weight about productively and how to drag defenders around with movement making space for others as well as for yourself. Every aspect of which Joe was superb at.

Maybe then Lukaku would develop into the player he already thinks he is.

James Lauwervine
44 Posted 15/07/2014 at 11:20:01
Welcome back, Joe. You are a true legend and an example to the youth. Your age is TOTALLY IRRELEVANT. In fact, it is quite tragic that some people are judging you by it. Knowledge, experience, enthusiasm and understanding are what you bring and I'm glad to have you back.

BTW, Dermot #2, your post made me laugh.

Andrew Ellams
45 Posted 15/07/2014 at 11:27:51
If the FA really wants to lay down some sort of blueprint to improve English football and the players coming through, then they should be actively encouraging this sort of appointment across all clubs.
Nicholas Page
46 Posted 15/07/2014 at 11:42:08
He’ll be like a new signing.....
Brian Wilkinson
47 Posted 15/07/2014 at 14:31:02
Dig your boots out, Joe! If Bill can save a few bob, you will be lacing them up for the coming season.
Paul Burns
48 Posted 15/07/2014 at 16:32:47
Someone further up said "in the absence of money".

Premier League teams have just had the biggest payout in the history of football. There is no absence of money. We just don't know what black hole it disappears into but it's there somewhere.

Mark Tanton
49 Posted 15/07/2014 at 16:43:15
It's going to be a long uncomfortable summer again, it seems. I don't know why we take so much longer to tie up deals or why they run into 'snags'. It seems like we're busy messing up the Besic deal currently, while sitting on our hands waiting to see what Lukaku wants to do. Christ, even the Barry deal took an ice age.
Brian Hill
50 Posted 15/07/2014 at 17:16:58
Wouldn't Joe have had a contract of employment at Norwich? Can't imagine the cookery book keeping quiet if he didn't. Curious.
Andrew Hawes
51 Posted 15/07/2014 at 17:42:34
Dave 43: Joe Royle wouldn’t have the first clue how to show Lakaku or in fact any other footballer how to play!! It’s probably 50 years since he laced up a pair of boots and 20 years since he managed at anywhere near a level that today’s top players operate at. If it’s that easy, we should have broken the bank and hired Pele to come over and give them all a lesson?!?

In my opinion, it’s a bit of a non-story; I am sure he can spot young talent and that is obviously all he has been brought back for.

With just a few weeks to go till kick-off and with some of our nearest rivals on their 4th, 5th and even 6th signings, we are playing this strange waiting game that we seem to have done every season since we signed Andy Johnson and did our business early!! That’s the signings us fans want to hear about not re-shuffling of backroom staff that should have been in place long before pre-season.

Daniel Joseph
52 Posted 15/07/2014 at 20:19:58
Perhaps he never knew where Norwich was, a bit like Unsy not knowing where Aston Villa was?
Tony Draper
53 Posted 15/07/2014 at 20:40:52
Whatever the reason(s) were for his departure so soon after appointment here for the lofty aspirations of Norwich (1 = Keep the cook off the pitch ..... okay, that's it), Big Joe returning is surely fine with Roberto?

For all Roberto's warm, persuasive and positive demeanour, not for one second do I think he's a "chummy one dimensional pushover", far from it!

So, with Joe back, then I'd be bloody certain that it fulfills some aspect of Roberto's aims or it wouldn't be happening at all.

Despite that, I admit to being still confused by it all. (OK, Joe is Everton's last manager to win a trophy and Roberto sets great store by club heritage.)

Jermaine Jennings
54 Posted 16/07/2014 at 10:00:30
As much as I like Joe Royle and his history with the club, I don't quite get this appointment to help with recruitment and player development. Can JR really pick out top English and foreign talent on the cheap!?! I am not convinced he can, but he can prove me wrong.

Rene Meulensteen has been out of work for ages and I'm sure he would jump at the chance of being a first team coach. I would much rather see Dennis Lawrence (First Team Development Coach) – WTF is that by the way!?! He should step down to Under 21 and Rene as a first team coach. Personally I think he would be immense alongside RM and GJ.

Jim Lloyd
55 Posted 16/07/2014 at 15:07:01
I'm not sure that's his primary role, Jermaine, although I think he would be a pretty decent scout. His main job is to oversee the development of the young players into first team football, be it with our club or another.

Whether Robbie feels the need or not, for a different first team coach, I'm sure we'll find out; but he seemed to be happy with the recruits we've made.

Patrick Murphy
56 Posted 17/07/2014 at 14:18:28
I see in the Echo that another one of our ex-managers is looking for a club – he was photographed at the Open earlier today!

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