Former Everton favourite reportedly to return in youth development role after being poached from Brighton

Former Everton favourite David Weir is reportedly set to return to Goodison Park in a backroom role.

Mail Online reports the Scot will depart Brighton and Hove Albion to link up with the Toffees.

Background

Weir spent eight years on Merseyside between 1999-2007.

In total, the defender made 254 appearances for Everton, scoring 15 goals.

In the 2004-05 season, Weir helped the Blues secure a fourth-place finish in the Premier League.

He left for Rangers two years later before retiring in 2011. He was also capped 69 times for Scotland.

Weir moved into a coaching role after hanging up his boots and spent time in Everton’s academy.

In 2013, he was interviewed for the vacant managerial role after David Moyes’ departure to Manchester United - but Roberto Martinez instead landed the job.

Weir then had a short spell in charge of Sheffield United before becoming Mark Warburton’s assistant at Brentford and Rangers.

Since 2019, he’s been loans manager of Brighton.

Weir’s return

According to Mail Online, Everton held talks with Weir last week about rejoining the club.

He’s reportedly set to take up a player development role at Goodison Park.

At Brighton, Robert Sanchez was loaned to Rochdale under Weir’s watch in the 2019-20 season.

He’s now first-choice keeper at the Amex and has broken into the Spain squad.

Meanwhile, Matt Clarke (Derby and West Brom), Taylor Richards (Doncaster), Ryan Longman (Hull) and Alex Cochrane (Hearts) have all enjoyed success away from the Seagulls while Weir’s been in his role.