Everton gem Harrison Armstong ‘devastated’ as Derby County bombshell emerges
Harrison Armstrong is one of the most promising youngsters ready to come through the Everton academy.
The 18-year-old, while he has just six first-team appearances to his name since August 2024, has proven himself to the Goodison Park army, with many crying for his promotion to the senior squad.
He could have the opportunity to learn from the likes of Idrissa Gana Gueye, Abdoulaye Doucoure and James Garner, all of whom can have a key impact going forward as well as battling in midfield.
However, David Moyes clearly needs more convincing after the youngster was sent out on loan to Championship strugglers Derby County on the final day of the winter transfer window.
News emerging from Pride Park may have just thrown a spanner in the works for Armstrong, though.
Paul Warne sacked as Derby County manager
The Rams announced on Friday [7 February] that Warne has been relieved of his duties by the Rams, with the team currently sitting 22nd in the Championship, two points from safety.
It really comes as no shock to those at Pride Park, but with Armstrong only just arriving at the East Midlands club, he will be devastated to see a massive change made so early in the spell.
The 51-year-old is unlikely to have played a major role in the midfielder’s move to the Championship side, but he will have been hoping to hit the ground running. This will be far from helpful.
Harrison Armstrong to thrive under David Moyes at Everton
Armstrong certainly has the potential to thrive once the Toffees move into the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, but experience is vital.
He has yet to experience senior football on a consistent basis, only being given a handful of opportunities by Sean Dyche, and that is why he was sent out on loan this month.
However, the sacking of Warne could be a huge setback to his development. Time will only tell, once the Rams appoint a new manager and the new team is picked.
The staff at Goodison Park will be keeping a close eye on the youngster’s loan spell, and if he doesn’t manage to get enough minutes on the pitch, it could be another loan for him in the summer
TFG have easy behind-the-scenes decision to make on Thelwell after £224.7m reveal
It has been a difficult few years for Everton both on and off the pitch, although supporters will feel as though they’re starting to look towards the light.
Under the ownership of Farhad Moshiri, the Blues found themselves with a points deduction due to breaching financial rules.
Sean Dyche was able to keep his side in the top-flight though and now the Toffees are looking to stay in the Premier League again under the management of David Moyes.
TFG set to make Kevin Thelwell decision
The Toffees will certainly be ready to look ahead to more successful times at Goodison Park now after The Friedkin Group completed their takeover of the club in December.
With Moyes overseeing three wins from his four games as boss so far, supporters will certainly feel as though a corner has been turned as they’ve created a gap of six points between themselves and the relegation zone.
According to Graeme Bailey on 6 February), the new owners are now looking for a director of football to replace Kevin Thelwell who is reaching the expiry of his contract in the summer.
Carlos Alcaraz was the only new face brought to Merseyside in the winter transfer window which may explain why TFG feel as though a new director of football would align with the creation of a new era for the Blues next season.
