By Greg Plummer
HE was responsible for developing the likes of Wayne Rooney and Ross Barkley at Premier League giants Everton.
But now Ray Hall wants to lay the foundations for a new conveyor belt of talent at King’s Lynn Town.
The ambitious Southern League outfit have appointed the former Toffees academy manager in a consultancy role at The Walks.
Hall, who managed and directed one of the world’s leading performance programmes of elite young football players at Goodison Park, has set out his blueprint for the Norfolk club.
“For me, King’s Lynn Town FC needs to become the focal point of football in this part of Norfolk. At the moment it is a sleeping giant that needs to be woken,” said Hall.
Helping hand
“Lynn has a terrific stadium, which belies the club’s position and if we can continue to improve the facilities there’s no reason why the club can’t become a major force.
“I will offer my knowledge and expertise through the experience I’ve gained at Everton.”
As well as both Rooney and Barkley, Hall also guided players like Jack Rodwell, Richard Dunne and Victor Anichebe from being academy hopefuls to Goodison heroes.
Hall said: “It’s about having a structure and strategy in place. There needs to be a community programme, recruitment, facilities, a pathway and an education before you can see a player come out at the other end. Whether I’m involved here for a year, two years or even longer, what’s put in place needs to be picked up by other staff and moved forward.
“I want to help grow the club in a positive way and the right way and I’d like to leave a legacy here too.”
King’s Lynn Town chairman Stephen Cleeve said: “Ray started his system at Everton with an annual budget of £40,000, now it runs into many millions and if he can be replicate even part of that success with us it will be a real game-changer.
“Ray has only ever worked at the top end of the Pyramid, but he is genuinely excited about coming out of retirement and joining us at grass-roots level.”
