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David Unsworth has spoken of a “massive buy-in” to Everton’s new set-up and structure.

And the Everton Under-23 boss’s views are significant after the uneasy relationship he endured with former manager Sam Allardyce.

Unsworth, whose association with the Blues goes back almost 30 years, was the man who showed new Director of Football Marcel Brands around Finch Farm today on the Dutchman’s first official day in his new role.

And Unsy said: “There is a massive buy-in.

“It is a great structure if you get the right people, in the right positions. Having met Marcel, he seems a really, really nice guy.

“He is very knowledgeable and knows the club already, which I was very impressed with. That was a great starting point. He knows the club and the young players. I am excited about it and it feels right.

“He was up early today – he only flew in last night – and was champing at the bit to get into Finch Farm.

“The hard work starts now and there is a great feel about the place. From top to bottom everyone is together.

“I think it is a forward-thinking, exciting appointment. You do look at his pedigree and what has gone before. But this is Everton. The demands from our fans dictate we do things and play in a certain way. That is what makes us so special and it is a recipe for success.”

Unsworth was unhappy when former boss Allardyce claimed: “Even David Unsworth said he could not wait for the new manager to be appointed.

“He was saying before the West Ham game, ‘get me out of this position, get a new manager appointed because I am struggling to cope and these players have got no confidence’. That is where I came from.”

Unsworth never uttered those words and was marginalised during the brief Allardyce regime.

But he has already hailed the “forward-thinking and exciting” appointment of Marcel Brands.

Everton handed senior debuts to seven Academy graduates last season, while the homegrown trio of Tom Davies, Jonjoe Kenny and Beni Baningime – Premier League 2 title winners with Unsworth’s young Blues in 2016/17 – have all latterly established themselves in the first-team squad.

“We have had a good chat and walk around the facility,” Unsworth added.

“It is a great appointment, a fantastic appointment for everybody. It is exciting. He wants to be successful. He is living in the area, he is really keen to work very hard, get us back on track and integrate young players as well, which is absolutely fantastic.

“I am delighted to welcome everybody who has come into the club. We fully support it and back them. We will give them all the help and support they need. And we just hope they bring the success this fantastic club deserves.

“Developing our own players is something we have always done as a club and Marcel has done it in his previous jobs, so it is potentially a wonderful recipe for success.

“When you get it right, you cannot beat it. Evertonians love our young players coming through the system – when they are good enough. And we have a number of good players now, so we are excited.”