Everton latest: Joe Royle leaves as Allardyce rings changes

Royle has been Professional Development Co-ordinator since July 2014

Royle has been Professional Development Co-ordinator since July 2014

EVERTON legend Joe Royle has left his role as Professional Development Co-ordinator at the club as new manager Sam Allardyce overhauls the backroom team.

Royle, 68, said he had left of his own volition. He had returned to Goodison in July 2014 and was responsible for helping to develop players from the Academy and Under-23s, as well as assisting with the scouting and recruitment of young players.

He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club over the last few years and, in particular, the opportunity to work so closely with David Unsworth. I’ve been hugely impressed with the way in which he has developed his players - I’m certain he has a very bright future ahead of him.

“I would like to send my best wishes to Sam Allardyce and the club’s new coaching team, I’m sure they will guide us back to where we belong. While it just feels like the right time for me to take a break, I’ll still be around the place.

"I’ve been coming to Goodison for more than 60 years and I’m not going to stop now. I’ve always been an Evertonian and I will always be an Evertonian.”

Chairman Bill Kenwright said: “We will all miss him - every single one of us – but maybe most of all, at this time, David Unsworth with whom he has a special relationship."

  • Allardyce is completing his inner circle of staff: Sammy Lee has joined as assistant; Craig Shakespeare as first-team coach, along with Duncan Ferguson, who was already at the club; and Ryland Morgans has come in as Performance Director.
  • Allardyce wants to add Martyn Margetson as goalkeeping coach, whom he appointed for both England and Crystal Palace. Palace chairman Steve Parish has warned Allardyce off though: “I like the people at Everton and wish him every success. I wish they weren’t trying to nick our goalkeeping coach but other than that, I like them.” Alan Kelly has been doing the job on a temporary basis since October 26th.
  • Allardyce intends to bring in a sports psychologist. “I am doing it all myself at the minute," he said. "I [will] try and find them a sports psychologist because I think that will be very important. If the brain is clear and positive before the lads go out then they produce a positive performance. If the brain is clouded and doubtful you don’t see the player produce the quality he has got. That has obviously been seen on a couple of occasions here with the lack of confidence from the lack of results. You have to turn that round as quick as you can and build that confidence and let it grow."

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