Everton have officially appointed Dan Ashworth as their new Sporting Director, marking a significant reshaping of their football structure following departure of Kevin Rhelwell and more to come . This announcement accompanies the imminent departure of Director of Football Kevin Thelwell, who is set to leave upon contract expiry.
- Kevin Thelwell exits
Everton’s Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, will leave at season’s end as the club transitions to a new sporting leadership model led by The Friedkin Group . Thelwell is leaving on good terms after helping Everton generate over £220 million in player sales and navigating financial challenges . - Dan Ashworth appointed Sporting Director
Everton have officially confirmed Dan Ashworth—former Sporting Director at Newcastle (2022–24), Brighton Technical Director (2019–22), and briefly at Manchester United—as their new Sporting DirectorSources indicate the Friedkin Group favored his experience in structured recruitment and development
⚙️ What This Means for Everton
| Area | What’s Changing |
|---|---|
| Recruitment & Academy | Ashworth brings a strong pedigree in youth development (FA DNA framework) and Premier League recruitment strategy . |
| Football Structure | This move shifts from a single Director of Football to a collaborative “sporting leadership” model, with Angus Kinnear as CEO working alongside Ashworth and David Moyes . |
| Squad Overhaul | With only 14 senior players under contract and the new Bramley‑Moore Dock stadium on the horizon, Ashworth’s arrival signals intent for a strategic rebuild and measured investment . |
| Financial & Operational Stability | Under Ashworth, Everton will aim to balance sustainable spending alongside Moyes’s long-term rebuilding plan backed by The Friedkin Group . |
Broader Significance
- Fresh strategic direction: Ashworth’s expertise in long-term planning and talent identification aligns with Everton’s aim to transition from short-term fixes to a sustainable, growth-oriented model.
- Clear ambition: Appointing a high-profile, well-connected director like Ashworth demonstrates the Friedkin Group’s serious intent to reestablish Everton among the Premier League’s mid‑to-top tier.
- Synergy with Moyes: Manager David Moyes now has a strong ally in Ashworth—whose skillset complements Moyes’s rebuilding philosophy and will support more targeted summer recruitment.
🏆 The Road Ahead
With Ashworth now in place, Everton are expected to:
- Structure a holistic recruitment pipeline spanning academy, women’s, and first-team squads.
- Renegotiate contracts and secure key players, especially in defence, midfield, and attack.
- Complete the squad rebuild ahead of their move to the 52,888-seat Bramley‑Moore Dock stadium in August.
- Work in tandem with CEO Angus Kinnear and Moyes to deliver a clear footballing identity and on-pitch improvement.
✅ In Summary
Everton’s appointment of Dan Ashworth marks a pivotal moment: it replaces Kevin Thelwell with a seasoned director known for sustainable development and structural integrity. Combined with their move to a new stadium and ambitious ownership, this signals Everton’s shift into a new era—one built on clarity of purpose, financial prudence, and footballing resurgence.
Would you like a deep dive into Ashworth’s track record—like his recruitment successes at Brighton and Newcastle—or how he may shape Everton’s upcoming transfer plans?
