Ex-Blackpool loanee Seamus Coleman is departing Everton this summer after 17 years on Merseyside.
Former Blackpool midfielder Keith Southern believes Everton icon Seamus Coleman wouldn’t have enjoyed his lengthy career on Merseyside without his short stint at Bloomfield Road.
Earlier this month, the 37-year-old announced that his playing career with the Toffees would come to close following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
The Republic of Ireland international made the move to Merseyside from Sligo Rovers in 2009, and has gone on to feature 434 times for the Blues - scoring 28 goals and providing 29 assists.
While his service to Everton may be lengthy, Coleman’s only current honour during his time in England came while on loan with the Seasiders.
The fullback linked up with Ian Holloway’s then side for the second half of the 2009/10 campaign, appearing 12 times in total, during which time he scored once and assisted on five occasions.
His list of outings included Blackpool’s play-off final victory at Wembley, where Charlie Adam, Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Brett Ormerod all scored in a 3-2 victory over Cardiff City.
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Southern was also among the players involved that day, and now works for Everton as an U18s coach.
Discussing Coleman’s departure, the Seasiders legend said: “He’s had a fabulous career, and I’ve never heard anyone say anything bad about him - which is a real mark of the man. He’s a terrific footballer but he’s an even better person, and that’s something regularly heard around him.
“I text him on Friday evening, congratulating him on a fantastic journey and the career he’s had - it’s amazing what he’s done at Everton.
“Blackpool was a small part of his journey, and he quite rightly acknowledges that, and reflects really fondly on his time.
“I remember, I used to take him in, and he was preparing to leave Everton at that time. He’d had a foot injury, so had been out of action, and it’d been frustrating for him.
“Blackpool was an opportunity to go and play some games at a really good level, before he was potentially going to leave that summer.
“Obviously the rest is history, in terms of the way he performed and conducted himself. He was a brilliant player at a brilliant time for us.
“He definitely helped us, but I also like to think we helped him on his journey. He’s quick to acknowledge that.”
Seamus Coleman (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)placeholder image
Seamus Coleman (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Coleman’s final home game for the Toffees came off the bench in their 3-1 defeat to Sunderland on Sunday, but could be handed one last outing away to Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
The defender hasn’t confirmed what his future looks like beyond this summer, with an option on the table for him to remain at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in a coaching capacity.
“He’s a proud Irishman, and I think he still wants to make a contribution to the national team,” Southern added.
“I don’t know what’s next, but if he still feels like he can do it, and he’s able to, I think he’ll continue playing somewhere.
“He’s also a bright guy, a family man, and has done his coaching badges, so maybe that’s on the horizon. Maybe he’ll come into the academy, or go branch out on his own in a managerial capacity at another club - who knows?
“The opportunities are endless for Seamus, he’ll just need a little bit of time over the summer to decide what he and his family want to do next.
“We’re so proud of him, and wish him well with whatever he ends up doing - it’s really open at this moment of time.”
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