Chris Fox surprised to be Everton's new manager but he is loving the job

When a club is in need, your personal goals are sometimes forgotten. 

With just a few weeks to go before pre-season one man was busy planning on getting back fit to play until he found out that his club needed him in a different role.

So he went from player to manager when he least expected.

A late decision and a new role has seen Chris Fox hang up the boots for now as he takes on the role as senior manager for Everton.

"It all happened so fast that I hadn’t even realised that this might mean I’m retiring," laughs Fox. 

"I had thought about doing both, but I don’t think it works if you're managing a team and trying to play too. 

"Looking at pre-season I definitely don’t miss that side of it, I’ll definitely miss playing, but I’m really enjoying the managing side of it."

The 34 year-old father of two is new to senior management, but believes his experience of playing and captaining top teams will help him in his new role.

"First of all, I’m very proud to be managing a club as big as Everton, and I’m genuinely enjoying every minute of it it so far. 

"It came about in a roundabout way really.

"I was only playing with the team six weeks ago, and I planned on playing for another few years, but when the position became available and after speaking to the committee, it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. 

"I’ve been managing my son's team in Ringmahon for the last three or four years, so I’ve been doing a small bit, but it’s definitely completely different dealing with a senior team but very enjoyable.

"Avoiding relegation last season was huge for the club.

"It’s a club that should playing premier football and definitely not in the second division. 

"The club is a sleeping giant, especially with the work that goes on behind the scenes, the floodlights and Friday nights football will be a massive attraction for players now and in the future.

"Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to take over the team.

"I was still planning on playing for Everton this season, but when the opportunity came around to take over I couldn’t say no. 

"I'm taken over from Eddie McCarthy, who brought in some very good players which gives me a good foundation.

"Avoiding relegation helped to keep players because I genuinely believe there is players in that squad that are good enough to be playing premier week in week out. 

"We’ve added a lot of players to the squad, so it will take time for the team to gel together.

"Dave Chambers, Wes Tong, Kian Fitzgerald, Conor Horan, Sean Lennon and Iain Aherne to name a few have come in and will all add different qualities and add experience to the squad.

"Alan O'Sullivan and Niall Harrington have come in as coaches. 

"Alan was involved last year with the team.

"He’s was involved with Carrigaline previously and Everton for the last few years and will still be involved in playing as well.

"His experience will be massive on and off the pitch.

"Niall Harrington has come back to the club after being involved previously with the club, but comes in with massive experience after spells with Avondale, Casement and Kilreen.

"Gary O'Connell is involved too, he looks after all the unseen bits that sometimes goes unnoticed, but is definitely a popular figure, not only in the dressing room but in the club as a whole.

"Patsy Burke looks after the kit and dressing room and again prepares things that go unseen by most, and he adds a lot of knowledge and experience.

"Paul Drummond looks after the keepers for us too, even while he’s still playing.

"He makes time to look after the keepers which is a massive bonus, so overall, I am very happy with my coaching staff.

"We’ve been back since the middle of July, which was a short turnaround because last year went on so long with the relegation play off. 

"But we definitely felt the need to get back early with so many new players coming in and a new coaching staff. 

"Pre-season has been going very well.

"We are only just back from a game in Killarney that we won 4-1, but it was great to get all the new lads together and get everyone to know each other. 

"A successful season will be for us to be involved at the right end of the table.

"As a squad and with the players that were there last year and the new faces we have added, there’s no reason we shouldn’t be at least challenging for promotion. 

"We're really looking forward to the season ahead."