Paul Tait, the long-serving Everton youth coach who helped develop Anthony Gordon and Ross Barkley, has returned to football with Chester FC, three months after leaving the Blues.
Tait, 51, spent 20 years at Everton, where he played a key role in developing a number of professional footballers, including Gordon and Barkley. However, in July, following a six-month strategic review of the academy by technical director Nick Cox, his role as Under-21s head coach was deemed to no longer exist. Dave Hughes took over that team as part of his wider remit, having been appointed to the new role of head of academy player development.
New role at Chester
Hughes, who was sacked by League Two Newport County the previous November after six months in charge, previously worked with Cox at Manchester United, having been hired as their Under-21s assistant in July 2022.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne-born Tait had a playing spell at the Deva Stadium when the club were still Chester City in 2006. Following his return, the National League North side announced: “Chester FC are delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Tait as the club's new youth team manager.
Experience and achievements
“The 51-year-old brings 18 years of elite player development experience within Everton's Premier League Category One Academy, where he played a key role in developing a number of players who have gone on to establish themselves at the highest level, including the likes of Ross Barkley and Anthony Gordon.
“A UEFA Pro Licence coach, Paul was appointed academy lead coach for the Under-21s and professional development phase at Everton in 2022, having previously managed the club’s Under-18s. He subsequently took charge of the Under-21s, a role he held until this summer.”
