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Everton today confirmed the appointment of highly regarded coach Steve Round as Assistant Manager at the club. The contract wrangle with Newcastle United has now been resolved meaning Round is free to link up with David Moyes and his players at Finch Farm for the start of pre season training.

Round a former full back at Derby County joins Everton having forged a glowing reputation as a coach. His coaching career has so far seen Round work for Derby County initially before moving on to Middlesbrough. Middlesbrough had arguably their most successful season in modern times with Round on their coaching staff, which saw them win the League Cup. Round followed Boro manager Steve McLaren to the England set up and has subsequently had a stint with Newcastle. This breadth of experience should stand Round in good stead for his new challenge with Everton.

It was whilst with England that Round has his first real contact with David Moyes and the set up at the club. With Everton having England internationals such as Lescott, Johnson and Neville amongst its rank Round was sent by McLaren to observe training and spend a few days with Moyes. Round had this to say about his findings; ‘I watched training and spent a few days with David – here was a staff and a team that were maximizing talent, staff and budget. Everything they were doing, I thought was the right thing to do.’

Round after seeing the set up had very positive views about the club. ‘It impressed me enough to say that if I ever got the chance to work with David I would seriously consider it’. Round hasn’t had to wait too long for this opportunity; seemingly Moyes has been equally as impressed with what he has seen in Round. ’I was told by my agent that Everton has made an approach for me and Newcastle had given me permission to speak to them. I arranged a meeting with David and thirty minutes later I said I’m yours! The meeting was very impressive as is Moyes vision for the club.’

Rounds first task will be to get involved in the initial pre-season with; Phil Neville, Andrew Johnson, Leon Osman, Joleon Lescott, Phil Jagielka, Iain Turner, Jack Rodwell, Andy Van Der Meyde, John Paul Kissock, Dan Gosling and John Irving who have all returned from their summer break. Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta, James Vaughan, Leighton Baines and Tony Hibbert have all returned however they haven’t taken part in training due to them still recovering from their respective injuries. Everton’s African contingent of Yakubu, Joseph Yobo, Victor Anichebe and Steven Pienaar along with USA’s Tim Howard are yet to return due to them having extended following end of season internationals.

Round will then fly out to Switzerland for a training camp and friendly against Swiss side FC Sion. When asked about his thoughts for the season ahead he seemed very positive, ‘If we get the right recruits then there is no reason why we can’t challenge the top four.’

Moyes, who has been without an assistant since Alan Irvine left to Manage Preston North End, along with the supporters are sure be pleased with this high class appointment and his comments about Moyes’ long term plans for the club – these may ease concerns about our manager’s future. Let’s hope Round is the first of many top class additions this summer.

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