Everton news: Naismith praises Baines approach

Former Everton player Steven Naismith praised the influence of Leighton Baines on the football club.

Baines immediately began working with the club’s Academy as a professional development coach after retiring. He later became the Under-18s head coach in October 2021 and temporarily served as interim manager earlier this year alongside Seamus Coleman.

Naismith said: “Bainesy is somebody who wants to make sure he’s making the right choice, and then when he’s done it, you do see his knowledge and his understanding.

“I think the way he sees the game is different, and the way he teaches it. Even when I was playing with him, the way he would describe different situations, he delivered it in a different, really clear way.

“I know, 100 per cent, he will have helped the academy players that he was dealing with, and now that he’s stepped up, it will be the same for the senior players as well, because he’s very good.”