Everton director of football operations Dave Harrison is set to leave the Blues after 27 years at Goodison Park to join Manchester United.
Harrison is the figure pictured next to every new Everton signing or when a player signs a contract extension, but little is actually known about him.
He is something of a cult figure amongst the supporters at Goodison and it will be huge blow to the club when he departs to join Man United.
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Harrison, who is known as 'Contract Dave', spent 16 years as club secretary at Everton, but was promoted to director of football operations in June 2018. He was manager of the ticket office for the first seven years of his time with the Blues. Before that he actually worked for Manchester United.
Acknowledged as one of the leading football administrators in the Premier League, Harrison had also been appointed a non-Executive Director of Liverpool County FA, a member of the European Club Association and is regularly called upon to attend Premier League working groups.
Harrison jets off to wherever a new player is being signed from as he helps the deal to move along smoothly, liaising with his opposite number.
He is a popular figure among his colleagues at Everton and many at the club are disappointed to see him go. He's also well liked among the wider football world for his long work within the business. Described as a 'real people’s person', Harrison’s diplomatic skills, assured manner and quiet competence make him a well-liked figure in football.
Harrison would emerge as a cult hero for Evertonians for his presence sitting alongside players when they joined the club or signed a contract extension. His smiling face was often seen as the confirmation that Everton had completed a deal.
It is expected that Harrison will be replaced at Finch Farm, but, for now, his responsibilities will be picked up by a group led by deputy director of football operations Jonathan Williams, who will work alongside director of football Kevin Thelwell.
Harrison will take on the same role at Old Trafford and will lead all operational aspects of the club’s football activities, reporting to football director John Murtough.
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