Former County boss Hughes lands new role at Everton

[Huw Evans Picture Agency] Former Newport County boss Dave Hughes has been appointed Everton's head of academy player development and will also oversee the development of the under-21s as part of a host of changes to the club's academy. The Welshman replaces Paul Tait, who spent 16 years working within the club's academy set-up. It is Hughes' first position within football since being sacked as Exiles boss in November last season with the club bottom of League Two, having won just two of their opening 16 league matches. Having been appointed on 23 May 2025, Hughes initially guided Newport to safety in the 2024-25 campaign as County finished seven points clear of the drop zone. Hughes now steps away from management by returning to a more familiar role within academy football, where he has built an impressive reputation in the last 20 years with clubs including Shrewsbury Town, Watford, Aston Villa, Southampton, Cardiff City and Manchester United, as well as the Football Association of Wales (FAW). Everton technical director Nick Cox confirmed Hughes' role, telling the club website: "Moving forward, the under-21s will be led by Dave Hughes as part of his wider remit as head of academy player development."