'Everton finally getting up to speed with double deal close'
Everton are embarking on a major rebuild ahead of the 2025-26 campaign with wholesale changes to the club's backroom staff.
The Athletic has reported (3 June) that Man City head of scouting and recruitment, James Smith, is being eyed up by CEO Angus Kinnear to join this new hierarchy.
Smith previously worked at Everton with manager David Moyes, who returned to Merseyside in January after Sean Dyche's sacking.
Meanwhile, it has also been reported that Chris Howarth, who owns data analytics company Insight Sport, is a strong contender for the head of strategy role.
Everton's former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has insisted these key roles should have been filled months ago, but it is "better late than never".
Wyness bemoans Everton's behind-the-scenes delay
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness has insisted both men will be "very good appointments" for Everton ahead of a big 2025-26 campaign.
Former sporting director Kevin Thelwell has left for Rangers and has been joined at Ibrox by head of recruitment Dan Purdy.
Wyness bemoaned the delay in securing replacements for the key duo at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Smith would be a good appointment, he’s got a long Everton history.
“He knows Moyes, Moyes knows him.
“That is a good appointment.
“There’s also Chris Howarth, who has a big data background.
“I’m starting to see a proper backroom staff come in at Everton, which I’ve been moaning about for weeks.
“But my moan remains - why so late in getting it done? I know Everton are going to be moving mainly in July, when the financial year is over - but these people should have had their feet under the desk.
“They should’ve been working for the last couple of months, but it’s better late than never.
“I do think both are going to be very good appointments. Smith, in particular, knows the club.
“He will be well-received and will get up to speed quickly.”
Everton set sights on signing Moyes favourite
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (11 June) that Everton, Wolves and Fulham are eyeing moves for former West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal on a free transfer.
The Merseysiders are in the market for defensive reinforcements at right-back and Toffees boss Moyes is a big fan of Coufal having worked with him at West Ham.
The Czech Republic international was effectively replaced by Aaron Wan-Bissaka at West Ham last summer (2024) but remained at the club into the 2024-25 campaign to provide cover and competition.
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