- Cox reveals expectations were surpassed by Everton’s relentless backroom team.
- Technical director praises unity as Everton push for first Euro spot since 2017.
- Moyes remains committed to academy integration during rebuilding phase.
Everton’s technical director Nick Cox has detailed his perceptions about the Toffees have been “completely surpassed” since joining the club in the summer of 2025.
After leaving Manchester United as their Academy Director, Cox has enjoyed his early months on Merseyside and even said his job has been ‘easy’ since arriving from the Red Devils.
With seven matches to go, David Moyes’ men sit three points off a Champions League position, as Everton look to return to Europe for the first time since 2017, giving the Blues an ideal platform in their rebuild phase.
Nick Cox: ‘Everything was just slightly more amplified’
“Everything was just slightly more amplified”, Cox told The Athletic. He added: “It is special. The sense of togetherness, looking after each other, is amazing.
“It has been well documented how tough the last few years have been. But I don’t think I could sense how tough it had been on the inside.”
Aware of Everton’s struggles in recent seasons, the 48-year-old thought he was in for a difficult task from the off, but he has praised the club’s staff who have shone.
He said: “It has far surpassed what the actual task was, which was ‘how do we just keep the place going?’
“I put that down to just an incredible group of staff who are hard-working, relentless, stick together, and have a real love and passion for the club.
“So I appreciate that I’ve got the easy job.”
Moyes has a passion for the academy
After confirming the appointment of Dean Rastrick as Everton’s new academy director, Cox noted Moyes’ passion for the academy and the priority it should have in the club.
“He [Moyes] is incredibly passionate about the academy”, Cox said, “and about making sure his team has representation from the local area.
“He’s as determined as he ever has been to make sure that we are competitive and we’re the best.”
While minutes for academy players have been minimal this season, the reintroduction of Harrison Armstrong into the senior side has given Evertonians a glimpse into what Moyes expects from academy products.
Patience needed in Everton’s rebuild phase
In his first few months at the Toffees, Cox explained his role was to observe the club, as he became acclimatised with his new surroundings and gained an insight into Everton as well as the city of Liverpool.
He said: “What you can’t do is pick stuff up from one club and drop it into another.
“What you have to do is build something that fits.
“There’s a lot around recognising the type of city we are in and that we want our teams to be hard-working and play to win and be tough, but at the same time to try and entertain.”
After years of uncertainty and lack of direction, Everton have a path being built for them.
While European dreams continue to be discussed, the Blues are motoring in their rebuild phase, and they appear to have found light at the end of their tunnel.
