Back to the Everton Newsfeed

Everton's dream academy beat the big spenders to the Under 23s title... fans are already dubbing this group of young stars the Golden Generation

There was a point during Everton's recent 4-2 beating of Leicester when David Unsworth swelled with pride.

The 43-year-old, a club stalwart who now manages Everton's Under 23s, looked out from his seat in the Main Stand and saw Matthew Pennington snapping into tackles, Tom Davies driving forward from midfield and Ross Barkley sprinkling stardust.

This was his utopia: academy products, schooled the 'Everton way', playing lead roles with Goodison packed to the rafters. But before Unsworth became too satisfied with what he saw, impatience took hold.

Everton Under 23s manager David Unsworth can reflect with immense pride on his season
Everton Under 23s manager David Unsworth can reflect with immense pride on his season
Tom Davies began by playing in Premier League 2 games and is now a first team regular
Tom Davies began by playing in Premier League 2 games and is now a first team regular
Everton's draw with Chelsea coupled with Liverpool beating Manchester City sealed the title
Everton's draw with Chelsea coupled with Liverpool beating Manchester City sealed the title

'They are lovely moments,' he says.