Everton legend Peter Reid has identified man-management, recruitment and youth policy as the three elements that will bring success back to the club, while also promising victory over Fleetwood in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.
Speaking at the 35th Dixie Dean Memorial Award Evening in Goodison Park's Alex Young Suite, Reid discussed the Blues' upcoming last-eight tie against the League Two side. Fleetwood reached the quarter-finals after beating reigning Premier League champions Arsenal on penalties on Tuesday.
Three pillars of success
Reid, who won two League Championships, an FA Cup and the European Cup-Winners' Cup with Everton, said: "The biggest things in football are man-management with your players, recruitment and youth policy."
He added: "They're the three things that will get you success and we've got to get on the best page on those. I don't think we are at the moment, I think we're far from it in my opinion."
The 70-year-old from Huyton pointed to Sunderland's recruitment as an example, noting they signed Brian Brobbey from Ajax for £17million.
Youth and squad rotation
Reid praised young Everton players Tyler Dibling and Harrison Armstrong, saying of Dibling: "I think Tyler Dibling has got a talent. I was at the Wolves game and he played a great pass through but the biggest thing that impressed me was 30 seconds later as he won a tackle when they broke on us."
He added: "Last year, he'd have been shaking his head, thinking that it's too big, but he's grown. The boy Harrison Armstrong, thank God we didn't sell him, he's a class player."
Reid also criticised modern squad rotation, saying: "I'm not sure about some things in the modern game like rotating your squad and resting players. Get your best team out and then the other lads have got to roll their sleeves up to get in the side."
Fleetwood promise
This season's Carabao Cup quarter-final, scheduled for the week commencing Monday December 14, will be Everton's third trip to Fleetwood's Highbury Stadium this decade. Everton won 5-2 there in September 2020 and edged a 1-0 victory in August 2022.
Reid promised a hat-trick of successes, saying: "Like most of us in the room, I'm desperate for us to win a trophy. I've got a grandson who lives in Manchester who hasn't seen us win a carrot and I've got nephews and nieces."
He added: "We'll beat Fleetwood. We will beat Fleetwood, I promise you!"
