Tributes paid to Everton Academy Recruitment Manager Lavery

TRIBUTES have been paid to Everton Academy Recruitment Manager Ian Lavery, who has died following a short illness.

Lavery worked full-time for the Toffees for almost 19 years. He joined in September 2004 as Assistant Head of Local Schoolboy Recruitment and went on to become Academy Recruitment and Trialist Manager last April.

In a statement, the club described him as a “passionate Evertonian” and a “hugely-popular figure with staff, colleagues, parents and players.”

CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale said: "It is difficult to come to terms with the news that our Everton Family has lost our valued colleague, Ian Lavery.

"Ian’s warmth as a person, his passion as an Evertonian and his dedication to his role and to the Academy made him hugely popular.

"He was simply a truly lovely man. The fact I am writing this, following the tragic news of his passing, is very hard to comprehend. And I know there will be so many people across the Club feeling the exact same emotions today.

"Of course, the deepest condolences of everybody at the Club go to his wife Lisa and his three wonderful children. I know there are no words that will be able to ease their pain – but I hope they can take some comfort from the knowledge Ian was so admired and respected."

Director of Football Kevin Thelwell added: "In Ian Lavery, we have lost one of football’s good guys. He has done so much for so many, and Everton Football Club will be forever grateful.

"We are proud that he was one of our team. He will be greatly missed as a respected colleague, but also as a good friend to so many here. My deepest, heartfelt condolences go to Ian’s wife Lisa and his three children.”

Tributes can be paid to Ian by clicking here.