Moving to the new stadium, Everton have seen a lot of changes in recent months and Jordan Pickford has admitted one player has been huge in helping the transition.
It has not just been Everton’s historic move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium but also a change of ownership over the last year.
Pickford has recently signed a new Everton contract which should act as a reward for the years of hard work on Merseyside.
Former Premier League striker Charlie Austin has hailed Pickford for his Everton commitment in helping to keep the club afloat.
The 31-year-old has been one of the main figures in Everton’s transition under The Friedkin Group in recent months.
But there is one other player who has impressed Pickford so much behind the scenes.
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Jordan Pickford blown away by one Everton teammate
Seamus Coleman has waxed lyrical about Pickford and the contribution he’s made towards the club over the years.
The goalkeeper has been crucial in maintaining the Toffees’ Premier League status during some really difficult years.
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Speaking in Everton’s match day programme ahead of the weekend, Pickford has returned the compliment by hailing Coleman’s influence behind the scenes.
“I think, for me, Seamus Coleman is massive and was someone who really stands out from that period. He drives us so much in the dressing room. He shows the passion for the badge and pulled us together when we were fighting to be safe from relegation,” said the 31-year-old goalkeeper.
“It was a rollercoaster of ups and downs but when you’re down there and have to pick yourselves back up, Seamus was always there, reminding us of the history of this badge.
“I’d say he drove that and I kind of jumped onboard with him to help where I could.”
Pickford is not the first Everton player to sing the praises of their 37-year-old captain.
James Tarkowski thinks Coleman will become a manager when he eventually hangs up his boots from playing.
Having inked a new deal until the end of this season, the future for Coleman on Merseyside remains uncertain.
Seamus Coleman could follow Leighton Baines as Everton coach
Moyes insisted just how important Coleman was to have around for this first season in the new Everton stadium.
His playing time will likely be extremely limited this term, but having a player who knows the club as well as anyone in the dressing room was seen as vital.
The 62-year-old boss has previously admitted Coleman’s role on the pitch would not be viewed as hugely important, with a potential eye on becoming a future coach not rejected.
“I need him here, his leadership, his message he has amongst the players in the dressing room. It would be wrong of me to let him go. So, one way or another Seamus will be here next season,” said Moyes earlier this year.
By saying ‘one way or another’, Moyes led towards the prospect of Coleman potentially following in Leighton Baines’ footsteps of transitioning into a coach at Finch Farm.
Coleman joined Baines on the sideline against Peterborough United in the FA Cup following Sean Dyche’s sacking.
With his playing days potentially coming to an end soon it will be interesting to see what his next step is.