Ebbrell handed new role in Everton's academy

I'm not a fan of ‘Evertonia' myself either, but not all ‘in-house' decisions made are bad ones. This I'm told is a ‘no-brainier', so good luck to John.

Another lazy in-house appointment. Doesn't matter if he's best qualified, we would dare scan the globe. Too much like hard work.

Sorry in a bad mood with all things Everton. A takeover, a few players in, and I'll cheer up maybe.

I'm told that the new Director of Football and the Academy Director are the best of the best and Ebbrell is in that bracket also. I just think we are quick as a fan base to jump on our own, however this time it is unwarranted.

The academy is being ‘shook up' and John has been promoted from within, because of his diligent hard work (much like his maligned playing days) and, I'm told, excellent coaching and man-management skills. I suppose the proof will be in the pudding.

Anyway, as I've said previously, good luck to John.

“I'm told that the New Director of Football and Academy Director are the best of the best and Ebbrell is in that bracket also.” — Who told you this, Steve?

John Ebbrell is 52 years old, he has been a scout for Everton, worked at Tranmere Rovers as a coach, been a coach at various levels at Everton... Why has his "best of the best" levels of coaching and man-management been kept in the dark for so long? Why hasn't he been head-hunted by other clubs with his level of coaching being so good? Who were the other candidates for this position and also the position which Paul Tait now occupies?

I hope they go on to prove how good they are in the future there has been scant proof of their ability in their past work in the past.

I know that you will have your own sources who may disagree? However, like I've said, the prof will be in the pudding. Let's at least give them a chance, before we judge.

No, I have no sources, just watching from the sidelines over the last few years.

Although you can only work with the players provided by the scouts, there has been little to enjoy with the coaching and ideas from those in the Academy and little to enthuse me as a supporter of these teams, especially the U18s where the prospects start to flourish, although there is some hope with a few players now emerging on the scene.

As you say, Steve, the proof will be in the pudding. Thanks again for your reply.

Where we appear to have struggled in recent years is to enable these players to progress from top Under-18 level to first-team Premier League standard, with one notable exception.

This is where the new Director of Football is focussing his attention at the minute. Hopefully this proves to be successful moving forward.

I would just like to know whether or not applications are invited for these posts from the wider football world.

It seems we are now seeking a new Head of Academy Coaching to replace him; this may well be someone Thelwell has in mind, maybe someone of calibre who was interested in the U21 Head coach job, but not interested in reporting to Ebbrell as it stood.

This new appointment could be the best bit of recruitment Thelwell makes, maybe an outstanding external candidate ….. or maybe Jose Baxter — who knows!

Where are you getting your “John has been promoted from within, because of his diligent hard work (much like his maligned playing days) and I'm told, excellent coaching and man-management“ from? I'm genuinely curious to know why you believe, or have been told, it's a promotion.

I don't have any inside contacts like you, so have made my own assumptions about his new role. For me, it appears he's been taken out of front-line coaching and moved sideways.

Like Steve said, Ebbrell might have done a good enough job but too bad he is already collateral damage in terms of being seen as one of Kenwright's entourage.

On the flip side, if he has been really good on his job only to be compromised by Rhino's sabotage that cut the young talents conveyor belt for the First Team, then let's hope that the structure and philosophies Thelwell and Prosser will establish will enable Ebbrell's work to be more visible to, and properly evaluated by, distant observers that are a lot of us.