Everton are a club at a crossroads at this moment in time, with the departure of former director of football Marcel Brands sparking an intriguing new chapter in their history.

What's the story?

Under the Dutchman's watchful eye, the Toffees embarked on a rather haphazard spending spree over the last three years, although he cannot be solely blamed for all of their misfortune.

However, with Brands now out the door, talk has turned to who could replace the 59-year-old in the boardroom.

And The Athletic's Everton reporter Patrick Boyland has provided an update into the ongoing situation, suggesting the popular head of football operations Dave Harrison could fill the current void.

"There is an expectation the club’s respected head of football operations Dave Harrison will fill part of the void left by Brands as long as the strategic review takes place, " he wrote alongside colleague Greg O'Keeffe.

"A popular, long-standing member of staff, Harrison is seen as a safe pair of hands and has experience in negotiations and other logistical aspects."

Everton fans will be buzzing

Brands arrived on Merseyside back in 2018 after cultivating an enviable reputation for himself at PSV Eindhoven after several years worth of good work in his homeland.

Everton's new owner Farhad Moshiri provided substantial funds for the transfer chief to improve the first-team squad, yet improvements on the pitch scarcely failed to materialise.

The likes of Alex Iwobi, Andre Gomes and Moise Kean all arrived under Brands' doomed reign for big fees without elevating the Goodison Park outfit's fortunes, resulting in league finishes of 8th, 12th and 10th during his time at the club.

As a result, large sections of Everton's fanbase will be delighted to learn of Boyland's latest behind-the-scenes revelation.

News that a 'respected' and 'popular' member of staff who already knows the club and understands the direction it wants to go in and what needs to be improved is expected to step into Brands' shoes will fill them with hope and confidence for the months ahead.

Following a first win since September, it finally looks as though proceedings are moving in the right direction for the Toffees. They should be left buzzing as a result.

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