An academy graduate always has a special place in the heart of supporters, yet David Unsworth takes it one step further for Everton fans.
@EvertonAcademy graduate
350 appearances
40 goals
FA Cup winner
3 major trophies as #EFCU23 bossTrue Blue David Unsworth turns 46 today! pic.twitter.com/FN6QrdIIed
— Everton (@Everton) October 16, 2019
The former England defender has been through it all at Everton, coming through the academy to become a vital member of the first-team in two different spells for the Toffees as well as later on in his post-playing career to take up an important role as manager of the club’s U-23 side.
Unsworth is a real hero in the blue half of Merseyside, and supporters on social media ensured their former FA Cup-winning defender had a birthday to remember as fans flocked to give the former star his well-wishes as well as recall their favourite memories from the now 45-year-old youth manager.
Here’s what some Everton fans had to say about Unsworth about his playing career with the Toffees on Twitter…
I remember the last gasp goal against Spurs when he was only young . Great servant even better person .
— Triangle Man vs Person Man (@nil23sadonions) October 16, 2019
That goal he got away to QPR in 95 was priceless!
— John Martin (@JohnMar85033159) October 16, 2019
He’s still my Everton hero
— Christopher Morris (@ChrisgM85) October 16, 2019
What a fella
— Jack (@jfg96_) October 16, 2019
The Everton U-23 manager is a true fan favourite on Merseyside…
Are next manager
— Paul Maddox (@PaulMad10968491) October 16, 2019
Happy birthday
— Lotte (@quadraspazzed) October 16, 2019
HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNSY
— Ellie (@ellieq) October 16, 2019
All the best unsy
— Alex Short (@AlexSho57509130) October 16, 2019
Unsworth’s young Everton side are currently enduring a much better season than the first-team, with the U-23’s currently in third place in the Premier League 2 table.