Kevin Thelwell has explained how Everton went through a 'thorough and wide-ranging recruitment search' before appointing James Vaughan as the club’s new loans pathway manager.
Everton confirmed on Friday morning that Vaughan, who rose through the ranks at the club and went on to make more than 400 senior appearances - including 60 for the Goodison Park club - will take up the position on Monday, September 5.
The former forward 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. In his new role, Vaughan will be responsible for identifying the most beneficial loan opportunities for the Blues' development squad players, while overseeing the provision of a monitoring, evaluating and mentoring support network.
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"We are delighted to welcome James to Everton following a thorough and wide-ranging recruitment search,” Thelwell said on the appointment of Vaughan.
"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."
While reacting to his appointment, Vaughan spoke of his delight at being able to return to the club that gave him his 'football career' and thanked those who had supported him at Tranmere Rovers.
He 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."
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