It’s Unsworth by Royle command
DAVID UNSWORTH gave a broad grin when the statistic was put to him – the only trophies put in the Goodison Park cabinet since the Second World War were with former Everton players at the helm.
“Let’s hope that’s the same this time around,” said Unsworth. “It’s one I’m aware of and let’s hope I can follow the last man, Joe Royle, and win something.”
A new manager can quickly swot up on the history of a club using books and DVDs but understanding the unique fabric of a club such as Everton is never straightforward.
Ronald Koeman seemingly failed to get that and it explained in part why Everton fans never warmed to the Dutchman.
It always felt as if Koeman was passing through and, when times are hard, that seeps through to the players and supporters. Both turned.
Unsworth may not be Liverpudlian by birth – he hails from Chorley – but having climbed through the youth ranks to the first team at the Merseyside club, he possesses an inherent understanding of their culture.
After beginning his stint as caretaker manager, in what may effectively be a four-game trial to see whether he is up to taking over permanently, Unsworth spoke about his passion for Everton.
And he did so with the kind of humility and warmth that has made him such a popular and respected figure at the club’s Finch Farm training ground as manager of the academy and Under-23s.
“I want what’s best for Everton,” he said. “You might not believe me but that’s the truth. I love this club and I’ll always want what’s best for it. We all backed Ronald, we all backed Roberto Martinez, and as a player under David Moyes and Joe Royle, we all want the manager to do well and succeed, because that means that the team are succeeding and hopefully are winning trophies. “Yes I’m keen. I’d love this job. But whoever gets the honour of becoming Everton manager, we’ll shake hands and want them to win.” Unsworth has maintained strong club connection with those helping him in his new role. John Ebbrell and wise sage Royle, who both have academy roles will be involved while Duncan Ferguson will remain part of the first-team staff. Alan a Kelly, Unsworth’s old colleague at Preston North End, has arrived as goalkeeping coach.
Everton became a team that were so slow under Koeman’s tutorship that even watching the highlights on fast forward they appeared pedestrian.
Unsworth plans to address that.
“I’d like to see a greater tempo,” said the former Toffees defender, who played in the league 304 times for them in two spells.
“A pressing game, a game where we create opportunities, we cross the ball and we have attempts on goal and we keep clean sheets.
“We need to play with a tempo, especially at Goodison Park. We need to get up for the games and give them something to cheer about, because that’s what the fans demand. I have a set of values and
a way of playing I want to take into the first-team environment.
“The game should be played in a certain way and I know Evertonians want it played in a certain way.” There was an olive branch offered to gifted midfielder Ross Barkley, the injured star who fell out of favour with Koeman for his performances and reluctance to sign a new contract.
“My opinion of Ross is I would absolutely love him to stay,” said Unsworth.
“He is a top talent – Everton have done great for him and he has done great for this club, but he could be one of the all-time greats here. “I’d love him to be persuaded by myself, the chairman and the owner to sign a contract. “We should not be losing players of his
quality.”
I hope I can follow Joe and win something because I love this club