Everton’s David Unsworth would be seriously interested in launching his managerial career at Ipswich Town if his former club were looking for an up-and-coming boss, the EADT and Ipswich Star understands.
The 44-year-old is very highly thought of at Goodison Park, combining the role of ‘director of coaching’ alongside that of Under-23s boss.
He guided the young Toffees to the inaugural PL2 title in 2016/17 with a pacy, dynamic brand of football and has played a big role in the likes of Tom Davies, Jonjo Kenny, Beni Baningime progressing to the first team.
MORE: Dutch boss Maurice Steijn speaks about continued Ipswich Town links
When Ronald Koeman was sacked last October he had eight games in caretaker charge during a demanding schedule of league and European action before Sam Allardyce was appointed.
His exciting U23s have remained competitive this season, despite nine of his young charges – including Town’s Callum Connolly – being out on loan at Championship clubs. Their thrilling 4-3 defeat to Manchester City last weekend typified a front foot approach.
MORE: ‘I’ve got my head around it’ – McCarthy on seeing out his contract and ‘nice’ West Brom links
Unsworth has not been short of suitors in recent years, most recently League One club Oxford United after his employers gave him permission to talk, and it’s understood he has been waiting patiently for the right opportunity to come along.
Last November, ex-Everton boss David Moyes said of Unsworth: “I would be telling Unsy to go and manage somewhere and earn your corn. If you want to move on go and get a job in the Championship or League One and see where it takes you.
MORE: ‘Go and get Mowbray’ – Burley’s message to Evans
“I think there has been a generation of really good players out there who I believe should go and manage and try and come up.”
A barrel-chested defender who made more than 300 appearances for Everton in the top-flight and who was capped once by England, Unsworth was a popular figure at Portman Road during an end-of-season loan spell under Joe Royle’s management in 2004/05. The expiration of his 93-day switch from Portsmouth meant he was unable to take part in the play-off semi-final defeat to West Ham that season.
MORE: Former Blues striker Kuqi throws his hat in the ring
His coaching career started out at Preston, where he was twice briefly caretaker boss, before joining Sheffield United as ‘head of academy coaching’ and then returning to Everton five years ago.
MORE: Ipswich must get back to their core values – Osman
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here