Everton backed to offer ’emergency’ player contract – Exclusive
Seamus Coleman ranks among the highest tier in Premier League history for service and longevity offered to one club.
Having joined Everton in 2009 during David Moyes’ first stint at Goodison Park, the veteran right-back has been an absolutely golden influence on Merseyside in the 16 years that have followed his cut-price move from Sligo Rovers.
Coleman, now 36, sees his current playing contract expire at the end of this season, with his future remaining unclear – including whether he will continue to play at all.
Everton urged to extend Coleman deal as statue mooted
Coleman has been a superb example to the countless players who have come and gone at Goodison throughout his tenure.
A longevity at one club of at least 16 years is almost unheard-of in modern football, leading some to insist the Irishman be given a statue at the site of Bramley-Moore Dock.
Whether Coleman gets a chance to play at the new stadium competitively is another matter, with his deal up in the summer alongside fellow veterans Ashley Young and Idrissa Gueye among others.
Coleman has undertaken his coaching qualifications and could be kept on at Everton in a backroom role, having experienced interim management when Everton beat Peterborough United in the FA Cup back in January.
TV commentator and football analysis expert Ian Darke believes Coleman should be kept around no matter what, but that another year on his playing contract for “emergencies” may not be a bad idea.
“They could probably benefit from offering him another one-year deal in case they have an emergency,” Darke exclusively told Goodison News.
“It’s up to him a little bit, but it’s certain they won’t just kick him out the door. It could be a coaching capacity; anyone with any sense at all would keep him around the place. He’s such a good guy as well.
“There should be a statue of him around Bramley-Moore Dock somewhere. He’s seen it all and embodies Everton.”
Coleman could be ideal backup for Moyes next season
It is little secret how much Moyes values Coleman, with the duo having remained in touch even for the near-12-year period they were at separate ways.
Moyes is likely to convince The Friedkin Group that Coleman warrants a place either in the squad or supporting it, a request the ownership regime should sanction.
| Everton – Premier League appearances | Total |
| Seamus Coleman | 367 |
| Tim Howard | 354 |
| Leon Osman | 352 |
| Leighton Baines | 348 |
| Phil Jagielka | 322 |
| David Unsworth | 302 |
The 73-cap Irish international has played 426 times for Everton in total, the last appearance of that monstrous tally coming in the Boxing Day draw at Manchester City.