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EVERTON have swelled their existing commercial team with three key appointments - with the promise of more to come.

Alan McTavish has joined from Watford and will become Head of Commercial Partnerships, Sam Lucas left the FA to join the Blues as Head of Partnerships while Matt Roche will fill a newly created Head of Matchday Revenues role.

In an announcement the club say the trio’s role will be to “support the club’s growth plans and increased market share aspirations.” As Head of Commercial Partnerships McTavish will be tasked with enhancing Everton’s commercial profile.

Previously commercial director at Watford and with experience at Glasgow Rangers Alan said: “The Premier League is an extremely competitive arena, not only on the field but also in terms of trying to attract and secure new partners, and Everton is one of the UK’s most successful football clubs with all the key ingredients required for commercial success.

“I’m excited at the challenge ahead and the opportunities in front of us and I’m keen to make my contribution to developing the club’s commercial revenues while respecting its heritage and values.”

Sam Lucas was one of the FA’s 77 strong Team England who travelled to Brazil for the World Cup in 2014.

He helped attract brands like Budweiser, Nike, Vauxhall and Mars to the FA’s advertising portfolio and prior to working at The FA spent five years at Umbro, Everton’s kit supplier.

He said: “Everton is unique in that it’s a huge club with a dedicated and loyal fanbase not only locally but nationally and internationally.

“The Premier League’s popularity and the international players we have in our squad show the potential of the club worldwide and I’m really looking forward to playing a part in the club’s future development.”

New Head of Matchday Revenues, Matt Roche, will be responsible for overseeing all direct Everton customer transactions including hospitality, food and beverage, matchday programmes/publications and retail.

He will also work with other members of the commercial team to devise and implement a strategic and profitable approach to the sales of hospitality opportunities and season ticket campaigns.

“I was impressed by the strategic vision of the Senior Management Team and its commitment to taking a long-term approach to achieving its objectives,” he said. “Everton has a loyal and dedicated fanbase and going to the game is important to them. In my new role I look forward to working alongside club staff and the fans to help improve their matchday experience.”

The Blues say they will be further expanding their commercial operations, with more appointments to be made shortly.