Academy Records

A new feature covering the records made by our academy graduates.

To say that Everton's academy is one of the most successful in England is something of an understatement.

The Blues' home-grown graduates have made a habit of breaking records - and then re-writing them.

This new feature brought to you by evertonfc.com focuses on the success stories of Ray Hall's academy - starting with one James Vaughan.

As a keen, bright-eyed Blue, the striker's first appearance for Everton was memorable to say the least.

David Moyes introduced the striker during the 2004/05 season.

James Vaughan makes history

The Blues were 3-0 up against Crystal Palace when he first stepped onto the hallowed turf of Goodison Park. But it's not the scoreline that was the significant factor - it was the date.

When Vaughan was brought on as a 74th-minute substitute, he became the youngest player in Premier League history at the tender age of 16 years and 271 days.

Fans could have been forgiven for thinking a young school boy stepping out in front of 40,000 fans for the first time might struggle. If they did, they were quickly proven wrong.

Vaughan proceeded to put himself about, instantly endearing himself to the watching Evertonians.

Vaughan scores against Palace

He then did what no one could have expected.

Kevin Kilbane and Leon Osman crafted space on the left-hand side and the Irish international clipped the ball across the goal for Vaughan to divert past Gabor Kiraly in the Palace goal and into the net.

The youngster had broken his second record of the day - he had become the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.

It was the perfect end to just about a perfect afternoon for Everton and a very proud moment for Ray Hall.

James Vaughan celebrates his debut goal

And when the academy boss recollected his memories of the day, he said: "It was quite strange because when he came on - and it's going back a few years now - he just set the place a light because he just started running round.

"When the goal went in, I was actually sat in the Joe Mercer stand surrounded by Vaughany's family. They all jumped up, I ran out and started punching the air. All that I got after that is a wad of texts coming in with congratulations.

"People talk about emotions - and the emotions I felt that day still stick in my mind as if the game took place ten seconds ago."