After guiding Everton under-23s to both league and cup success last season, David Unsworth is already planning for the future.
Based at their La Manga training camp for the third pre-season in succession, the boss has integrated members of Paul Tait’s under-18s side, in a bid to continue the great progress being made at academy level.
Among those to make the step-up include striker Ellis Simms and winger Anthony Gordon, who both enjoyed their first taste of under-23s action last term - with a reshuffle on the cards this summer as some of last season's side could move on loan or up to the first team.
It goes without saying that repeating Everton’s double-winning campaign will be no mean feat, though under-23s defender Matty Foulds believes the foundations for another successful season have been laid.
Foulds has revealed that a strong team spirit has already been established within the new-look group, and believes the intense schedule the players have been put under in La Manga can only act as a positive.
"It’s a great bonding time for us," the 21-year-old told evertontv .
"We’ve got a very young squad this year, with the lads who have stepped up from the under-18s.
"It’s very important for them to come here [to La Manga], train with us and get to know what Unsy is all about.
"The young lads have come in and done what Unsy wants and that’s what helps bring the group together.
"The training is very intense, and you need it. It puts you in good stead for the rest of the season.
"We are a hard-working team, we always have been. We want to be the fittest in the league and that’s why we win trophies."
The young defender signed for the Blues from Bury in January 2016 and recently penned a new one-year contract, keeping him at the club until 2020.
As the youngster continues his development at academy level, he is being coached by someone who knows exactly what it takes to make the leap from the youth set-up to the first-team.
Indeed, Foulds has described Unsworth as an ‘inspiring leader’, and has explained how it's 'vital' he learns from the former Everton defender.
"I’ve learned a lot from him, both as a player and outside of football," he said.
"If there are things I don’t know about the positions I play, he can tell me because he’s got that knowledge.
"He’s played hundreds of games at the highest level, so it’s vital for me to learn from him for my career going forward, admitted Foulds.
"He’s created a real tight unit here, with the players and the staff. It’s just a great club to be at. Hopefully we can win trophies again."
