Mason Holgate comments at Southampton justify Sean Dyche decision, Everton career could be over
Everton defender Mason Holgate has made an honest admission about his time on loan at Southampton.
The 27-year-old joined the Championship side on a season-long loan in August after being deemed surplus to requirements by Sean Dyche.
Holgate played 126 times for Everton upon joining from Barnsley eight years earlier, but his days at Goodison Park now look numbered.
It would not be too harsh to suggest Holgate has struggled to settle at second-tier Southampton, having started just four games so far.
Even when he has appeared, the centre-back has come in for widespread criticism.
Indeed, as Daily Echo reporter Alfie House stated on 23 September after a 2-1 loss at Middlesbrough, Holgate had "no idea" when being caught out for one of the goals.
That was just his second appearance for the club, the first being in a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Sunderland when substituted off.
In an interview with the Southern Daily Echo on Wednesday (15 November), Holgate admitted he has not found things easy since leaving Everton.
"The Sunderland game is one that I look back on with disappointment," he said.
"The same thing goes for the Middlesbrough game. It's difficult as a defender to come in and out of the team.
"All I can do is keep pushing. Hopefully, when I get my chances I can stay in the team. That’s what the whole team need to do, not just myself."
Holgate performed well in last weekend's 2-1 win over West Brom, but the fact he is unable to hold down a spot in the side is a big worry.
The Doncaster native will have one year to run on his contract when he returns to Goodison Park next summer, but his future surely lies elsewhere.
Some felt Dyche may have been better off keeping Holgate in reserve this season, but his struggles at Southampton more than justify the manager's call.
Holgate is a better player than his performances at St Mary's suggest, but only he can turn things around and get his career back on track.