Premier League's youngest-ever scorer becomes sporting director aged just 33

James Vaughan has been appointed Tranmere's Rovers' new sporting director - at the age of 33.

The former striker, who is the Premier League 's youngest ever goal-scorer at the age of 16 years and 270 days after netting on his top-flight Everton debut in 2005, retired at the end of last season.

Vaughan has just completed a master's degree in sporting directorship and told the Tranmere website: "Having been around the club for two years now and having spoken with the chairman (Mark Palios), I am excited about being able to be part of the project going forwards.

"I have always had a good relationship with Micky (Mellon, manager) both as a player and working with him as part of the team involved in building the current squad over the last six months."

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Mellon, manager of the League Two side, said: "James is young, modern and dynamic in a very important position for the club's development.

"I am looking forward to continue working with him as I know he will bring all the qualities he showed as a player when dealing with the important task of ensuring that we have players both with the ability and the attitude to properly represent this football club."

Vaughan, capped by England at under-21 level, scored 120 goals in 408 senior appearances, with Tranmere the final stop on his 13-club career.

Palios, a former chief executive of the Football Association, said: "We are delighted that James has accepted the role as sporting director.

"He has a clear understanding of what makes a Tranmere player and how we want to play.

"James has recently worked alongside Steve Beck who will continue to advise regarding the recruitment process.

"His appointment is another step in the restructuring of the club's footballing processes which has been ongoing since the decision to exit the academy system four years ago."

Vaughan retired at the end of the 2020-21 campaign, aged just 32. He announced the decision in an emotional post on his Instagram page, saying: "I think you get to a point when mentally and physically you know it's time.

"I've been thinking about it for a few months now and after the recent injuries, it just feels like now is the right time to move on to the next chapter of my life.

"It was a really difficult decision to make. Coming to Tranmere was perfect for me at this stage of my career and I've loved every minute of it.

"The club, the fans and everyone around the place has treated me incredibly. The hardest part about retiring was knowing I wouldn't be playing for Tranmere next season."

During his career, Vaughan played and scored in all top four divisions. His honours saw him help Wigan clinch the League One title in 2017-18 before being part of the Portsmouth side that won the following season's EFL Trophy.

Tranmere are second in League Two, 11 points behind leaders Forest Green Rovers.