Everton lose David Harrison to Manchester United
Everton's Director of Football Operations, David Harrison, is calling time on 27 years with the club to take up the same role at Manchester United.
Nicknamed "Contract Dave" by Evertonians, a transfer was never truly done until he was pictured with a player signing his paperwork at Finch Farm.
He will be succeeded by his assistant, Jonathan Williams, on an interim basis, with a full-time replacement expected to be appointed in the summer.
A prior employee of United before he joined Everton, Harrison made the step up from Box Office Manager to become Club Secretary in 2002.
In parallel to his role at Everton, which eventually transitioned to director of football operations, he served as a non-Executive Director of Liverpool County FA, a member of the European Club Association and frequently took part in Premier League working groups.
Harrison will move to Old Trafford at the end of this month, where he will be reunited with current director of football, John Murtough, who was previously a sports scientist and director of development at Everton.
Harrison will report to Murtough and ensure that all football operations for Man Utd’s men’s, women’s and academy teams run as smoothly and effectively as possible.
Speaking about the news, Harrison said: “I’m excited to be taking this role at a time of such opportunity and promise for Manchester United.
“I will always cherish my memories of 27 years at Everton and wish everyone at Goodison and Finch Farm all the best for the future.
“Now, my focus is on helping Manchester United create the best possible operating environment to support success on the pitch.”
Reader Comments (21)
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()
2 Posted 17/02/2023 at 14:34:49
3 Posted 17/02/2023 at 14:49:02
Not the best thing to have on your resume, I would have thought, unless it includes a caveat: "All the crap stuff that happened on my watch was Bill's fault!"
4 Posted 17/02/2023 at 15:04:38
5 Posted 17/02/2023 at 15:04:44
6 Posted 17/02/2023 at 15:11:33
Disappointing news that Dave Harrison is leaving Everton, a top professional, extremely loyal to the club, and a great friend! Manchester United's gain!
7 Posted 17/02/2023 at 15:17:09
8 Posted 17/02/2023 at 15:30:05
9 Posted 17/02/2023 at 15:30:45
"He has worked extremely closely with the Chairman, Team Managers and Chief Executives on many high-profile and complex player acquisitions for the Club."
The idea that he has done anything approaching a good job with that sort of stain on his record is mind-boggling. But no doubt Bill has sent him down the East Lancs with a glowing recommendation.
Let's hope he brings something of "The Everton Way" to Man Utd that has blighted this club these last 27 years…
10 Posted 17/02/2023 at 16:20:12
12 Posted 17/02/2023 at 16:21:51
13 Posted 17/02/2023 at 16:37:00
Can someone better educated tell me what he's done in 27 years?
Because until now I hadn't heard of him.
14 Posted 17/02/2023 at 16:45:43
Or is the position now void given our current stance on new signings.
16 Posted 17/02/2023 at 16:47:32
17 Posted 17/02/2023 at 16:50:32
18 Posted 17/02/2023 at 16:59:08
19 Posted 17/02/2023 at 17:15:05
To be fair to this bloke, it appears his work consists in tying down the loose ands and contracts on the misfits others have decided to sign, so he can't be blamed much for our current plight. As another poster mentions, one might even conclude he has jumped before being pushed with redundancy. Let's face it, he must have had a quiet January.
What does amuse me is this 'title inflation'. You go from being Club Secretary to the rather grander Director of Football Operations. Very impressive. Is the doorman going to be retitled 'Director of Aperture Services'?
20 Posted 17/02/2023 at 17:20:51
Are you sure he was headhunted by Man Utd?
The man who took him to United is an old friend, they worked together at Everton for a few years although he looks as though he has done well for himself after starting in the ticket office at Man Utd.
Being honest, he could be a wizard at his job – it's just that I've never heard of him… unless he is related to Eric Harrison who was poached from Everton by United many years ago as the new coach of their Academy.
22 Posted 17/02/2023 at 17:49:00
23 Posted 18/02/2023 at 02:04:06
There is many a top footballer who has been part of a crap team. Messi with 10 crap players around him would be written off as a loser.
24 Posted 18/02/2023 at 02:38:16
Where's the loyalty? He's been here 27 years and gets his head turned at the first opportunity.
Kidding. I've no idea who this guy is or what he does so speaking for myself my comments on him were faux outrage meant to be tongue in cheek.
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.
How to get rid of these ads and support TW
1 Posted 17/02/2023 at 13:45:43