Ex-Town manager Joe Royle has left his role as a football consultant at Norwich City after only six weeks to rejoin another of his former sides, Everton. The 65-year-old was named in Canaries boss Neil Adams's new backroom team at the start of June.
Toffees manager Roberto Martinez has appointed Royle to a job working on player development, helping young players progress through from their academy into the U21s, and also on scouting and recruitment.
Royle, who managed Town between 2002 and 2006, said: "It’s great to be back. Everyone knows how much Everton means to me — it has been in my blood for over 50 years.
"I admire what Roberto achieved in his debut season and I am really looking forward to working alongside him.""
"I made my debut for Everton as a 16-year-old so I understand what it means to be a young player coming through at this football club. I’m looking forward to using my experience to help the players we have here.
"I was happy with my role at Norwich City and wouldn’t have considered an offer from any other club than Everton. It’s like coming home for me.
"I’d like to thank Norwich for their co-operation and understanding with this situation and I wish Neil Adams and everyone at Carrow Road all the best for the new season.”
Martinez added: "Everyone knows the incredible influence Joe has had at our football club, both as a player and a manager. He is a true Evertonian and we all welcome him back to Goodison Park.
"We are all very excited with the talent coming through in our academy and we pride ourselves on the work we do with the young players.
"Joe’s experience and football know-how will be hugely beneficial for the youngsters at a key stage of their development. He is the first major change in our structure in player development.”
Meanwhile, ex-Blues defender Titus Bramble, 32, is set to hang up his boots having missed all of 2013/14, due to injury.
The Ipswich-born centre-half, who came through the Blues academy and now sponsors the U12s, spent time on trial with Town last summer having been released by Sunderland but suffered a knee problem which required surgery and prevented him from finding a new club before the end of the season.