http://www.evertonfc.com/news/2017/12/06/royle-leaves-role-at-everton
Professional Development Coordinator at Everton.
The Everton Giant returned to Goodison in July 2014 to join Roberto Martinez’s backroom team, marking his third spell at the Club and the latest chapter in a glittering football career.
During the last three years in his current position, his role has seen him facilitate the progress of young talent breaking through from the Everton Academy and Under-23s setup, as well as assisting in the scouting and recruitment of young players.
Joe said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Club over the last few years and, in particular, the opportunity to work so closely with
David Unsworth. I’ve been hugely impressed with the way in which he has developed his players - I’m certain he has a very bright future ahead of him.
“I would like to send my best wishes to Sam Allardyce and the Club’s new coaching team, I’m sure they will guide us back to where we belong.
“I’d like to thank everyone I’ve worked with at the Club, but I’d especially like to pay a personal tribute to Bill Kenwright. He is a dear friend and I will be forever grateful for having been given the chance to come back to my Club once again.
“While it just feels like the right time for me to take a break, I’ll still be around the place. I’ve been coming to Goodison for more than 60 years and I’m not going to stop now. I’ve always been an Evertonian and I will always be an Evertonian.”
One of the greatest strikers to have donned the royal blue jersey, Joe was also the last manager to lift a trophy for the Club - winning the FA Cup with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Wembley in May 1995.
For almost 40 years, he was the youngest player to figure in the Everton first-team following his appearance at the age of 16 years 282 days against Blackpool in 1966. He became a key member of
Harry Catterick’s side of the late 60s, winning the league in 1970 and, in four seasons between 1967 and 1971, he rifled in a remarkable 95 goals from 190 appearances.
In total, Joe finished his playing career at Everton with a total of 119 goals in 275 appearances.
After continuing a successful career as a player and manager away from Everton, he returned to his beloved Blues in November 1994, replacing Mike Walker as manager.
Following the FA Cup success in 1995, Joe guided Everton to sixth place in the 1995/96 season but a succession of injuries and the resulting dip in results led to his departure in 1997.
Now 68, he has enjoyed more than three years at the Club in his current role.
Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright said: “As we all know ‘Legend’ is a word that can be overused in football but, as a player, a manager and a man, there is no doubt that to all Evertonians
Joe Royle is just that - a legend. He typifies everything that is good about our Club in terms of knowledge, commitment, skill and passion – but most of all in terms of what it means to be a Blue.
“We will all miss him - every single one of us – but maybe most of all, at this time,
David Unsworth with whom he has a special relationship. I will never forget the sight of them both together 18 months ago when they stood on the touchline as joint managers of their beloved Everton in that glorious fun-filled afternoon when we romped home against Norwich.
“The door is always open, Joe. Come back home whenever you want…”
Everton Major Shareholder, Farhad Moshiri, added: “I’ve enjoyed my time getting to know the Everton legend,
Joe Royle, in person. I was, of course, absolutely aware of his many achievements
