James Vaughan has returned to Everton.

Vaughan is to join Everton's restructured Academy set-up as Loans Pathway Manager.

The former striker, who rose through the ranks at the Toffees and went on to make more than 400 senior appearances - including 60 for Everton - 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.

He told evertonfc.com: "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."

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."