Plenty of Everton fans have reflected on former player James Vaughan after the Merseyside club posted a throwback clip of the striker becoming the youngest scorer in Premier League history on their official Twitter page.
Vaughan achieved the recognition 15 years ago when he netted at the young age of just 16 years and 271 days against Crystal Palace, a record that still stands. The 31-year old was an academy graduate at the time so it was extra special for him, especially following up goals from the likes of Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill.
Vaughan made a total of 61 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees, scoring nine goals and providing two assists, according to Transfermarkt. As per the website, he has gone on to make 376 total appearances in his club career, playing for a high number of different English clubs, scoring 100 goals and providing 18 assists in the process.
These Evertonians gave their thoughts on Vaughan after the throwback footage emerged:
Brilliant day and vital win on the way to coming fourth . Always loved Vaughany’s attitude ( remember he stood up to take a pen at Wembley in the SF when still pretty young) and it’s a real shame that injury blighted his time at Everton .
— Paul Bargery (@BargeTours) April 10, 2020
Vaughan looked like he could be the real deal.
A pity he was made of glass.— TrickyTrev (@TrickyTrev20) April 10, 2020
I used to love the passion, pace and dynamism that the double substitution introduction of James and Victor brought. Really hoped it would work out long term for them both.
— Reysan (@humfmeister) April 10, 2020
Still to this day think he’s the hardest working professional footballer I’ve seen play for us, injuries obviously plagued his Everton career, but he left everything out there when he played
— Chris Macfie (@ChrisMacfie) April 10, 2020
I remember watching JV and J-PK in academy and reserves, really had high hopes for them.
— Andrew Kirby (@AK4INSURANCE) April 10, 2020
I got his name on the back of my shirt the next season
— Ryan Sangster (@Sangster_Ryan_D) April 10, 2020
Loved @vaughany08, shame he had so many injuries whilst at @Everton. Still remember that horrific one at Bolton away!
— Dom (@Dom_EFC) April 10, 2020
Poor fella.
— Steve (@ste_henry) April 10, 2020
Everton fans, what is your best memory of Vaughan? Comment below!
