- Seamus Coleman set to depart the club after 17 years.
- The right back was signed by David Moyes for just 60,000.
- Coleman is the highest-‘capped’ Everton player in the Premier League.
Seamus Coleman will play his final home match for Everton on Sunday when Sunderland visit Hill Dickinson Stadium, if David Moyes selects him. The club captain, signed by David Moyes for just £60,000, has made 433 appearances for the Toffees and holds the record for most Premier League games (372).
As his extraordinary 17‑year career on Merseyside ends, David Moyes who brought him to the club has delivered a heartfelt tribute.
In his pre‑match press conference ahead of the Sunderland clash, Moyes spoke at length about Coleman’s influence, his legacy, and what the future might hold for the Irish defender.
Moyes: ‘He’s been the glue that’s held an awful lot together’
David Moyes reflected on Coleman’s role during Everton’s most difficult periods. “I missed a part of Seamus’ time here, but more recently, he’s been the glue that’s held an awful lot together. When it’s been difficult, he’s been the one who has come out and stood up.”
“He also made sure to galvanize the players to keep performing and not let the difficult times get them down. He needs a lot of credit as a human being and what he’s done for Everton.”
The manager also ranked Seamus Coleman among the best value signings in the club’s history. “I’d certainly say for me he’s right up there [for best value signing]. I have to praise the recruitment team at the time, who spotted him in Ireland and brought him over.”
Coleman may create history against Sunderland
Moyes was asked whether Coleman would feature on Sunday against Sunderland. The manager was respectful of the captain’s wishes. “Seamus wouldn’t want me to say that because he wouldn’t want me to think that way. He would only think it should be done if it’s right and that’s the way I see it, as well.”
On Coleman’s future beyond playing, Moyes made clear the door is always open. “We’ve offered Seamus every job there is – from groundsman to assistant! The thing I admire about Seamus is he wants to keep playing, he wants to keep playing for his country. He’s got a couple of friendlies coming in the summer and he wants to be ready for them. He’s in good physical condition. There will always be a desk here when his time comes.”
‘We want to keep Seamus’ culture at the club’
The Everton boss emphasized the importance of preserving Coleman’s influence within the dressing room. “There should always be a place here for Seamus Coleman. It would be great for the young players, as well. We want to keep Seamus’ culture and Everton’s culture behind the scenes going.”
Moyes’ words capture the essence of what Seamus Coleman has meant to Everton. Not just a right‑back, but a leader, a standard‑setter, and a symbol of the club’s fighting spirit.
As he walks off the pitch for the final time, the tribute from his manager and the affection of every Evertonian will follow him. Seamus Coleman leaves as a legend. But as David Moyes says, his connection to Everton will never truly end.
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