Peter Lynch

Fri 30 June 2023 11:40, UK

Everton don’t always hit the jackpot with their signings, with countless players coming and going over the years having made little impact at Goodison Park.

But on the opposite end of the spectrum is Republic of Ireland defender Seamus Coleman, who joined the Toffees in January 2009.

The £60,000 fee to Irish club Sligo Rovers was perhaps understandable given how the player was relatively unheard of at the time, but after 14 seasons, he is club captain and a much-loved figure among the Everton faithful.

Coleman may currently be out with a knee injury, but it hasn’t stopped the right-back from committing his future to the club for another year, with the 34-year-old penning a one-year extension at Goodison on Thursday (29 June).

He is, therefore, heading into his 15th season with Everton, with nobody predicting just how long and successful a Toffees career he would have all those years ago.

Coleman’s 409 appearances place him 17th in the club’s all-time list, while the right-back is just three matches away from surpassing legendary figure Tim Howard (354) as the club’s record Premier League appearance maker, as noted by the official Everton website.

Moreover, the captain is the longest current serving player in the Premier League, with that longevity ensuring he has to go down as one of the best signings in the history of the competition.

The Merseyside outfit were severely lacking leaders last season, further emphasising just how important Coleman is to everyone in and around the club.

That feeling has been reiterated by manager Sean Dyche, who told the club’s official website: “He is a top professional who helps to set high standards every day and makes it clear what it means to play for Everton Football Club.

“His quality and experience continue to be of great use and will do again once he’s back fit.”

In other Everton news, one Toffees ace is attracting “significant interest”, he wants a return to his former club.