James Vaughan has taken on a new role at Everton, becoming the club’s head of academy recruitment and player pathways.
Vaughan, who previously served as the loans pathway manager for 18 months, will now be responsible for identifying and securing the best young talent across the UK to enhance Everton’s academy and contribute to the development of players capable of making an impact in the first team.
This appointment marks another step in Vaughan’s post-playing career in football. The former player, who rose through Everton’s academy and holds the record as the youngest scorer in the Premier League, has been gaining valuable experience and expertise.
His previous role as loans pathway manager involved overseeing first-team players and young talents gaining experience elsewhere, assessing potential placements, and monitoring their progress.
Vaughan played a pivotal role in several successful loan moves, including Tom Cannon’s stint at Preston North End, where the young striker thrived in the Championship before being sold to Leicester City in the summer.
He also contributed to Jarrad Branthwaite’s development at PSV Eindhoven, with the center-back eventually breaking into Everton’s first team this season and attracting interest from various clubs.
In his new position, Vaughan will collaborate closely with both the academy and senior team to identify talent across the UK. Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, he stated, “This is a new role I am extremely passionate and excited about, and to be given the opportunity to do it at Everton is a real honour.”
Kevin Thelwell, Everton’s director of football, highlighted the significance of Vaughan’s personal experiences and exceptional football knowledge in this newly created role. Thelwell said, “With his personal experience, outstanding football knowledge and determined character, we are confident he will succeed in what is a very important position as we build for the future.”
Gareth Prosser, the academy director, emphasized the importance of Vaughan’s leadership in the department and his ability to enhance collaboration between existing departments. Prosser stated, “This is a key position in our academy, and James’ skill set and excellent contacts make him a perfect fit.”
In accepting this new challenge, Vaughan expressed his commitment to contributing to Everton’s bright future. He said, “I will work relentlessly in helping to achieve our wider goal of building a bright future for this club.” His deep connection with the club since the age of six and his progression through various ranks provide a unique perspective that Everton believes will be valuable in shaping the future of their academy.