Exclusive: The Leading Candidate to Succeed Kevin Thelwell at Everton
Everton Likely to Part Ways with Director of Football Kevin Thelwell After Season Ends.
The Friedkin Group will have several individuals out of contract at Goodison Park this summer.
Fortunately, David Moyes is not among them. The 61-year-old has recently turned Everton’s fortunes around, solidifying his position.
Many Everton fans hope to see David Weir replace Kevin Thelwell as director of football, but the Friedkin Group has other candidates in mind.
Speaking to Everton News, TBR Football’s Chief Transfer Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, revealed one of the frontrunners for the role.
Everton Target Dan Ashworth to Succeed Kevin Thelwell
Bailey identified Dan Ashworth as a “genuine” candidate to take over as Everton’s director of football.
Everton News had previously reported the Friedkin Group’s interest in Ashworth while Thelwell’s future remained uncertain.
Now that a decision has been made, the club is intensifying its search for his replacement.
However, ESPN journalist Mark Ogden has warned Everton against appointing Ashworth, citing his disappointing tenure at Manchester United.
The Red Devils parted ways with Ashworth after just a few months, as his summer signings failed to impress at Old Trafford.
Everton are also considering Crystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman for the position, though prying him away from his recently signed contract could prove challenging.
Arsenal Could Compete with Everton for Ashworth
Everton are not the only club interested in Ashworth. Since leaving Old Trafford in December, he has been linked with Arsenal, who are searching for a replacement for Edu Gaspar following his departure earlier this season.
According to David Ornstein, the Gunners are keeping an eye on Ashworth, and a move to north London could be a more attractive prospect for him.
However, Everton’s recent resurgence makes them a far more appealing option than they were two months ago.
Thelwell expects Everton to have a busy summer in the transfer market, but the question remains—who will be the one to guide them through it?
