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Tranmere Rovers’ Sporting Director James Vaughan has today left the club and will take up a new role at Everton FC.
He is to join Everton’s restructured Academy set-up as Loans Pathway Manager and will take up the position on Monday 5 September.
Vaughan retired from playing in May 2021 and joins Everton after a spell as Sporting Director at Tranmere Rovers, a role he was entrusted with at the age of just 33.
The Loans Pathway Manager will be responsible for identifying the most beneficial loan opportunities for Everton’s development squad players, while overseeing the provision of a monitoring, evaluating and mentoring support network.
Vaughan said, “I’m honoured to be returning to Everton and excited to fulfil my role in ensuring the loan system is an important and successful part of the player development pathway.
“It means a lot to me to be returning to the Club that gave me my football career and I am relishing the opportunity to use the experience I gained over 16 years as a player to help those coming through our Academy.
“I would like to thank my former colleagues at Tranmere Rovers for all their support during my time there and Kevin and Gareth [Prosser, Everton’s Director of Academy] for giving me this fantastic opportunity.”
Tranmere Chairman, Mark Palios said, “After a successful period as a player with Rovers, James took up the role of Sporting Director earlier this year and has done a great job in the short time he has been in that position.
“He has played a major role in the changes we have been making as regards the key areas of the recruitment and development of players. I’m sure that he will be successful as he seeks to further develop his career in the Game and we wish him well. Whilst I’m disappointed to lose James, it’s been a pleasure working with him and he’s always welcome at Prenton Park.”.
Kevin Thelwell, Everton’s Director of Football, added, “We are delighted to welcome James to Everton following a thorough and wide-ranging recruitment search.
“James has personal experience of successfully graduating through the Academy at this club but also boasts a vast knowledge of the Football League and has already taken his first steps in football development and operations.
“In his role, he will ensure players are getting the best possible loan opportunities and, crucially, that they have the necessary mentoring and support while they are away from the Club.
“Evertonians will remember the tenacity and determination that was very much part of James’ character as a player, and I am certain those are attributes he will apply to this new position.”
Image: TRFC
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