Everton u21s ended the season with a 4-2 defeat to Manchester United in the league playoff round of 16.
The result marks the end of the season for the u21 side with some players set to have played their last game in an Everton shirt. The game itself saw Martin Sherif score twice to continue his fine goalscoring form, while u18 sensation Braiden Graham set up both goals as he continued his introduction into the higher age group.
Despite a 2-1 lead, Everton conceeded three times in the second half against a strong United side.
Everton’s weakness in defensive positions was once again exposed as Reece Welch and Tyler Onyango, who are both expected to leave the club in the summer, were both included alongside promising Welsh youth international Aled Thomas.
However, by qualifying for the playoffs Everton have secured qualification next year for the Premier League International Cup, which puts 16 English sides against 16 of the best u21 sides from around Europe in a Champions League-style group stage followed by knockout rounds.
The tournament, says the Premier League: “Is designed to give homegrown talent the chance to test themselves against a range of different European opponents in a range of different settings and allows all participating players and staff to develop themselves to the demands and different styles presented by European opponents.”
City, Porto and Bayern are previous winners of the tournament and last year Crystal Palace took the title and a number of established Premier League players have appeared in the tournament for their respective u21 sides.
It is a chance for Everton’s u21 team to get more game time throughout the season and play against top European opposition and will be essential to help develop players who are not involved in the first team or sent out on loan.
Paul Tait’s side will also get a new assistant manager for the new season after the club listed the job. It says: “Provide leadership to players, while developing and coordinating all individual and team training sessions
“Coach, motivate and develop players within the U21 squad – allowing the elite players within the group to achieve their maximum potential”
Everton had hired former coach Peter Kavanagh to the role last month on a temporary contract until the summer and it seems with Premier League safety secured a more permanent solution is being sought as part of a major backroom overhaul at the club.
Everton are also recruiting for a head of new academy recruitment with plenty of positions to fill over the summer.
While goalkeeper positions are stacked, Everton are desperately short of defenders at u21 and u18 level and have been linked to 16-year-old Hearts defender John Dodd and 16-year-old Rotherham centre half Harrison Duncan. Everton’s Aled Thomas has had a stellar season at both age groups, while Roman Dixon is likely to head out on loan.
The future of Isaac Heath, now 20, is undecided, while Omar Benjamin and Martin Sherif have enjoyed excellent seasons. They will likely be involved in Everton’s pre season with a view to loan moves.
Harrison Armstrong, the academy’s big success story of the season, will also be sent on loan or assessed for first team duty, while Braiden Graham will continue his development at u21 level.