The 22-year-old forward, now back in his native Belgium, said former Toffees manager Sam Allardyce “didn’t want to hear about the youngsters”.
Former Everton academy player David Henen has launched an attack on his former club and hinted that Sam Allardyce’s managerial appointment was at fauly.
The 22-year-old arrived at Goodison Park from Olympiakos, initially on loan in September 2014 before signing permanently the following summer, according to Transfermarkt.
Henen had a decent record for Everton’s Under-23s, scoring 11 goals and claiming six assists, but the attacking player never made the step up to the first team.
He was sent out on loan to Fleetwood Town but made little impact, scoring just once in 13 appearances between November 2015 and April 2016.
Henen’s time on Merseyside came to an end this summer, opting to move back to his native Belgium, where he initially learned his ropes, and joined Charleroi.
Speaking to Belgian outlet Sport/Foot, the versatile forward player suggested that he came close to first-team contention under Roberto Martinez and Ronald Koeman, but never under Allardyce.
“I lost my dreams then,” Henen said. “His results weren’t bad because Everton ended eighth under him, but he was kick and rush and didn’t want to hear about the youngsters.”
The player says Everton wanted to keep him on board but, after four fruitless years, he decided it was time to move on.
“I’d already lost enough time,” he added. “Those in charge knew I shouldn’t be in the reserves, but they asked me to be patient. I was just a number to them.”
Henen has made seven appearances for his new club so far, scoring once.
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