Marcel Brands has stepped down as director of football at Everton, the club confirmed on Sunday night.

The Dutchman had been at Goodison Park since the summer of 2018 and was involved in spending the Toffees for almost £ 300million during that time.

However, that did not translate into success on the pitch, and with Everton struggling this season, Brands was removed from his post.

“Everton Football Club can confirm that Marcel Brands has stepped down as director of football,” said a club statement.

“The owner and managers would like to thank Marcel for his service to the club over the past three and a half years and wish him good luck for his future.

“A strategic review of the football structure will now take place which will determine the best model for the club in the long term.

“In the meantime, the owner and the board of directors will continue to give their full support to our manager, Rafa Benitez.”

The brands didn’t sign a new three-year deal until April, but poor recruiting in the past has seen Benitez spend just £ 1.7million this summer, with financial fair play restrictions striking harshly the Merseyside team.

After a strong start to the campaign, Everton’s form took a nosedive due to a mix of injuries and a lack of suitable options with the Toffees’ midweek loss to Liverpool sparking scenes of anger at Goodison Park.

Fans turned their frustration to the board and in particular Brands after the 4-1 loss with the 59-year-old ending his tenure due to a ‘marked difference’ in the club’s vision and direction .

In a statement, he said: “On Friday, following a personal conversation with the president and my fellow board members, we agreed that I would step down as director of football and board member. directors of Everton Football Club.

“This decision took time and thought and was one of the most difficult I have encountered in my career.

“The board and I agreed that there was a definite difference in the vision and direction of this great club and with that in mind the decision was made.

“I would like to thank all of the club members with whom I have worked closely over the past three and a half years. There are a lot of talented people at Everton with enormous passion and commitment to moving the club forward, both on and off the pitch.

“I wish the whole team every success and I am convinced that there is enough quality to quickly improve the current situation.

“It has been an honor for me to work at this fantastic club and I wish everyone associated with Everton the best for the future.”