Everton’s academy is undergoing an overhaul over the summer following the arrival of Nick Cox and Dean Rastrick.
The summer clear out has already kicked off, with Everton waving goodbye to Paul Tait as their U21 manager.
There have also been a lot of players leave the academy at Finch Farm following the end of their contracts.
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Former Everton defender Alan Stubbs has admitted he has seen the academy’s funding reduced dramatically over recent years leading up to the takeover.
Alan Stubbs has noticed significant Everton academy budget cut
Everton have hired Dean Rastrick as the new academy director as they look to finally get that aspect of the club back on track.
More is needed from Everton’s academy, with a lack of talent coming out of the youth sides and impacting David Moyes’ first-team.
“I think the academy has dropped a lot, and I don’t think people understand that it’s from less revenue and less investment as well,” Stubbs said on A View From The Bullens.
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“It’s not just coaches and recruitment; it’s revenues being pulled over the years.
“Listen, it’s still healthy, but it’s not where it was. There is probably £2m-£3m less than there was a few years ago, which is quite substantial.”
Harrison Armstrong has impacted Everton’s first team, but there is still a gap needing to be bridged before he becomes a regular under Moyes.
Outside of Armstrong, there is Braiden Graham, who is also looking to make a real impact on the 63-year-old manager over the summer.
Investment is being made at academy level, though.
Everton are set to sign Kai Hutchinson from Dundee United despite strong interest coming from other clubs for the striker.
It has not been a particularly good period for Everton’s academy, but it is apparent that The Friedkin Group are backing changes being made.
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