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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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3 Responses »

1. Mark R on July 4th, 2008 at 8:17 pm:

   Having seen his interview on EvertonTV and reading it here:
   Very good – all the key things, but I like the word “development” he mentioned half a dozen times. Some of the players outside the “first 11″ – need to be able to come in and do the job when players form drops (fatigue or injury) where we lost it last season. Round sounds like he knows exactly whats needed.

   I think Steve Round see’s himself as coming in to help ensure we bolster quality throughout the squad, so Moyes has more options in games and if people are going off form or injured.
   Sounds to me like we may have got the perfect man for the job, because he knows himself what he’s here to do….. plus he knows what we’re about, what the strengths are and the above weakness…
   I think he’ll be perfect in fitting into the system Moyes has set up imho.

2. Ryan Grant on July 4th, 2008 at 8:25 pm:

   I really hope we sign at least one player before the trip to Switzerland. I don’t think at current we can have 16 players plus the rest of the squad with us due to injury. Last night at the AGM for the Everton supporters Bill said he expects four signings… hope I’m wrong because we’re stuffed.

3. neald farrely on July 8th, 2008 at 11:37 am:

   At the moment we have 2 midfielders who are not injured (maybe even only one). By my reckoning

   TC-Injured
   MA – injured
   AVDN psychology injured
   JPK – reserve 19yo
   PN – NOT a midfielder – can somebody please notify DM and Round of this FACT
   SP – injured during the summer, not sure if he is ok
   LO – ok.

   We have no midfield for the start of the season. I would suggest we need at least 4 new players to replace TG, LC, MF and Andy. Then we need a new class RB and we need a new striker. We can’t rely on VA and MV as out and out strikers for a full season if Yak was crocked. Plus we need a reserve keeper.
   Basically we need 7 new players to IMPROVE our squad from last year.

   all imho!!