Everton hero Leighton Baines 'meticulous and humble'…

Everton hero Leighton Baines 'meticulous and humble' in helping academy stars shine

Everton Under-21s boss Paul Tait has shed light on Leighton Baines' work behind-the-scenes as he adapts to his role leading the club's Under-18s squad.

Baines is one of several figures given new responsibilities as part of an overhaul of the Finch Farm setup led by director of football Kevin Thelwell. And the Blues favourite is said to be approaching it with the "meticulous" attention to detail that provided the foundation for his exceptional playing career.

Tait, promoted from the role Baines now occupies, praised the attitude of his colleague as he spoke of the importance of the pair sharing a good relationship as they oversee the progression of Everton's academy starlets.

Everton's academy has undergone a host of changes in recent months as part of efforts to improve the pathway to the first team squad. Tait has stepped up from managing the U18s to the U21s, Baines has been handed the U18s head coach role and Gareth Prosser has been brought in as the new academy director. Further additions to the staff are in the pipeline and, for Tait, now is a good time for a young player to be progressing through the ranks with the Blues.

Part of this belief is his perception of Baines as he builds his coaching career at the club he made 420 appearances for across 13 years as a player. Tait said: “Leighton is such a professional and has got such high standards. I’m sure he’s going to carry that over into his role now. He is meticulous in his planning. He is very detailed for someone who hasn’t coached very long. He has obviously carried that over from his fantastic playing career."

The positive relationship shared by the pair is crucial not just to their partnership, but also for the players they are tasked with developing, Tait added. Providing detail on the pathway laid out for youngsters, he explained: "Players are transitioning through from his team to the U21s, then to the first team. We need to discuss each individual player. We need to discuss his plan months in advance, so we know where that player is going."

Another area the pair will need to share their views on is the playing style adopted by the development squads. Thelwell is keen for the same approach to be taken across the age groups in the hope of creating an identity that can be taken forward into the first team.

Tait has previously explained : "First of all, we have to show our Everton identity without the ball – to hunt in packs, press when we can, to be dynamic and physical. And, if we can’t press, we need to make sure we’re in a good solid shape. With the ball, we want the boys to express themselves and show what they can bring to the table. We want to try to play through the thirds and to play attacking football. We don’t just want to have possession for the sake of it. We want to have the ball as much as possible, but it’s got to have an end product. It’s got to have a meaning."

Tait said he has "empathy" for Baines having experienced the same role he is now taking on - but he has no doubts over whether he has the ability and attitude to succeed. He said: "Most importantly, he also is a really good guy. He is humble and he knows every day is an opportunity for him to learn. I think that’s how he sees it when he comes into Finch Farm. With those priorities he’s got, I don’t think he’ll go too far wrong."

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