Back in 2023, Everton finally confronted a pressing issue within their player development system.
The club had long been frustrated by the disappointing results of their academy prospects, who often showed early promise only to find their careers faltering after poorly thought-out loan spells.
Too many of these young talents, heralded as future stars, had seen their potential stifled. This constant cycle of missed opportunities meant Everton were losing out on players who could have made a difference in their squad.
In response, Everton took a decisive step by appointing James Vaughan as the club’s loans pathway manager.
Tasked with overseeing and optimising the loan experiences of Everton’s young players, Vaughan’s aim was to ensure that the club’s brightest talents were put on a pathway that maximised their growth.
While his early decisions have shown promise, not every loan has gone according to plan – one prominent example being young goalkeeper Harry Tyrer’s current stint at Blackpool.
Recently, Blackpool manager Steve Agnew made headlines when he decided to drop Tyrer, an Everton loanee, from his starting XI.
Having previously trusted Tyrer for eight consecutive League One games, Agnew opted for the more experienced Richard O’Donnell in Blackpool’s recent clash against Wigan Athletic. Speaking to the Blackpool Gazette, Agnew shared his reasoning for the switch.
“Harry has done well, he’s made saves at crucial times for us in games, and he’s a terrific young goalkeeper,” Agnew explained.
“In the last few games we’ve conceded goals; we’re not saying that’s all down to the goalkeeper because it’s not, we made changes in the back four as well.
“Although we conceded two goals tonight, so we can still improve in that department; we were a threat at the top end of the pitch. It’s always a big call because you don’t change your goalkeeper very often.
“Harry has fitted in the dressing room well, but we’ve got Rich’s (O’Donnell) experience, and we felt we need that voice behind the back line.”
For Tyrer, this setback could either be a challenge that motivates him or a signal of a tougher road ahead. Currently 22, the young keeper faces an uphill battle if he hopes to eventually challenge Jordan Pickford for the number-one spot at Everton.
Pickford, Everton’s £30 million acquisition from Sunderland in 2017, has become one of the club’s standout players. His consistent performances, crucial saves, and strong leadership have made him a mainstay, not only at Everton but also within the England national team.
Many argue that without Pickford’s reliability, Everton would have faced relegation already. For Evertonians, he’s a figure of pride and resilience – an asset who, despite occasional dips in form, has proven indispensable.
In fact, Sean Dyche, Everton’s manager, recently commented on Pickford’s performances for England, addressing his rare struggles on the international stage but reiterating his faith in Pickford’s calibre.
Given Pickford’s stature and the high level he continues to play at, it’s difficult to see any young keeper – including Tyrer – displacing him in the near future.
For now, Tyrer’s challenge will be to impress wherever he’s given the chance, and perhaps one day, his moment at Goodison Park may yet come.