Early Life and Family
David Gerald Unsworth was born on October 16, 1973, in Chorley, Lancashire, England. Raised in the heart of English football, Unsworth began his journey into the world of football at a young age. His footballing roots were firmly planted when he joined the youth system of Everton F.C., one of the most prestigious football clubs in the country. Known for his strong, no-nonsense style of defending, he was quickly given the nickname “Rhino”—a tribute to his tenacious and physical approach to the game.
David Unsworth personal life has also been intertwined with his football career. He married Jayne Unsworth (née Friar) in 1996, and the couple has three daughters: Courtney Lea, Finley Anne, and Bailey Olivia. His family remains one of his strongest pillars, supporting him throughout his playing and coaching journey. Though much of his family life has remained private, their role in supporting his career has been made clear through interviews where he has spoken about the importance of family stability, particularly during his time at clubs like Aston Villa, where the challenges of relocating were felt by his wife.
David Unsworth Playing Career: The Rise of “Rhino”
David Unsworth professional playing career began when he made his debut for Everton in 1992 at the age of 18. Over the next few years, he became a regular feature in the Everton first team, known for his versatility, being able to play both as a centre-back and left-back. His physical style of play, coupled with his excellent penalty-taking ability, quickly made him a fan favorite at Goodison Park.
In 1995, Unsworth played an instrumental role in Everton’s FA Cup victory over Manchester United, one of the club’s most famous victories in recent history. This victory solidified his place in the club’s history. Over the course of his first stint with Everton, he made over 100 appearances and scored a number of important goals, including from the penalty spot.
In 1997, Unsworth moved to West Ham United, but his time there was short-lived. His family’s difficulty settling in London led to a return to Everton in 1998, where he would spend the majority of his playing career, racking up another 188 appearances and scoring 23 goals in his second spell at the club. Throughout this period, Unsworth was known for his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, especially in set-piece situations.
He later played for Portsmouth, Ipswich Town, Sheffield United, Wigan Athletic, Burnley, and Huddersfield Town, with his playing career finally coming to an end in 2009. Over his career, Unsworth made over 400 league appearances and scored 45 goals in league competitions.
David Unsworth Managerial Career: From Player to Coach
After retiring from professional football, David Unsworth transitioned into coaching. His first significant coaching role was with Preston North End, where he served as both a development coach and caretaker manager. His experience as a caretaker manager gave him a taste for leadership, which he would carry into his future roles.
In 2013, Unsworth returned to Everton as the assistant coach for the club’s Under‑21 team, and soon after, he was appointed head coach of the Under‑23s and Academy Director. Under his leadership, the academy flourished, with Unsworth focusing on developing young talent and ensuring there was a clear pathway for youth players to progress to the first team. His work with the academy earned him a great deal of respect within the footballing community, and he played a pivotal role in the development of players such as Tom Davies, Jonjoe Kenny, Anthony Gordon, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, all of whom eventually made their way into the senior team.
Unsworth also had two stints as Everton’s caretaker manager, first in 2016, and then again in 2017, following the sacking of manager Ronald Koeman. While his time as caretaker was brief, Unsworth showed his ability to step up when needed, though he was never given the full-time managerial role at Everton.
In 2022, Unsworth took on his first full-time managerial position with Oldham Athletic, a club in the National League. Unfortunately, his time at Oldham was short-lived, and he was sacked in September 2023 after a winless run. Despite the challenges, Unsworth’s managerial career is still young, and many are watching to see what comes next for him.
David Unsworth Net Worth and Financials
David Unsworth net worth is estimated to be in the range of $3–5 million. This is largely due to his successful football career, both as a player and as a coach. His wealth also includes income from his time in managerial roles, as well as endorsements and sponsorships throughout his career.
Legacy and Influence
Unsworth’s legacy is undoubtedly tied to his role at Everton, both as a player and a coach. As a player, his tenacity and leadership on the field made him a fan favorite, and his FA Cup triumph in 1995 ensured his place in the hearts of Everton supporters. As a coach, Unsworth helped develop the club’s youth system, promoting several players from the academy to the first team.
He is also known for his passion for football and his unwavering commitment to the development of young players. His belief in providing opportunities for youth players to make it to the first team is a testament to his character and understanding of the game.
Conclusion
David Unsworth’s journey from a promising youth prospect to a stalwart of the Everton defense, and now a coach with a wealth of experience, is one of perseverance and dedication to the sport. While his managerial career is still unfolding, his contributions to the development of young talent and his leadership at Everton and Oldham Athletic cannot be overlooked. Whether as a player, coach, or manager, Unsworth’s impact on English football continues to resonate, and his legacy is far from over.
