Chester FC have appointed Paul Tait as their new Youth Team Manager, bringing in a coach who spent 18 years in Everton's Premier League Category One Academy before making the move to Chester.
Tait, who is 51, arrives with a strong development background and a direct connection to two well-known players from Everton's system: Ross Barkley and Anthony Gordon. His appointment gives Chester another experienced voice in a youth programme that the club says has been building since 2017.
A long development track record
Tait's time at Everton included a move in 2022 into the role of Academy Lead Coach for the Under-21s and Professional Development Phase. This summer, he left the Under-21s role before Chester confirmed him as the new Youth Team Manager.
That experience is part of why Chester moved for him. In the club's view, Tait brings not only academy knowledge but also a proven record of helping younger players progress. His Everton background is tied to the development of Ross Barkley and Anthony Gordon, two players who reached the top level after coming through the academy environment.
Why Chester made the move
Chester football operations chief Albert Davies said the club was thrilled to welcome Tait and described the recruitment process as thorough, with several credible candidates considered. Davies said Tait stood out because of his passion, enthusiasm, experience and proven track record.
Davies also said the appointment is a real coup for the club and a chance to keep building on the work already done in the youth programme. Chester's scholarship programme has been growing since 2017, and the club said it is looking forward to helping Tait build on those foundations.
Tait also has a personal connection to Chester. He played at the Deva Community Stadium in 2006, and his new role brings him back to a place he already knows. He also spent the 2007/08 season helping Barrow secure promotion to the Conference, adding another line to a career that has mixed playing and coaching experience.
For Tait, the move is a fresh start and a familiar challenge. He said he was really excited to be there, really looking forward to getting going, and eager to implement some new ideas. He also described Everton as an amazing place where he learned a great deal from top people.
For Chester, the appointment is about continuity and ambition. The club has been building its youth pathway for years, and Tait now takes over a role designed to help keep that progress moving forward.
