Everton academy director Vint makes shock exit

Dr Peter Vint, the Everton academy director, has left the Merseyside club after only one year in the job.

Vint, recruited from the Team USA Olympic Committee, has made a sudden and unexpected departure days after he announced the appointment of a new head of academy coaching, Dave Adams, who arrived from Swansea.

There is as yet no official explanation for Vint’s exit beyond the American being allowed to pursue “other projects”. However, there was no suggestion a change was imminent when he oversaw more additions to his department last week.

“Peter has left to pursue other opportunities. We wish him the best in his future pursuits,” the club confirmed.

Vint (right) moved to Everton last season in what was intended to be a forward-thinking measure to ensure the club secured a leading sports science expert. The bold move was supposed to bring “marginal gains”. Vint was headhunted by Everton following his work in the United States, where he was senior director of competitive analysis, research and innovation for the country’s Olympic committee.

His appointment came at a time when it was intended he would form a close working relationship with former manager Roberto Martínez. However, Martínez’s sacking followed by the appointment of Ronald Koeman left Vint looking isolated. There have been murmurings at academy level that Vint’s lack of football experience was creating a challenging and at times difficult environment in the junior levels. and in an interview with

this season, Vint acknowledged his methods were being met with cynicism.

Earlier this week Vint’s 15-yearold son, Will, sain on social media he was signing for Manchester United rather than heading to Everton’s youth set-up. He later deleted the post. Everton’s coaches had not been particularly impressed with him, but Goodison officials are adamant that is not related to Vint’s departure.