Once described by Frank Lampard as the “best man I’ve ever met,” departing Everton captain Seamus Coleman has been backed to rejoin his former manager at newly promoted Coventry City.
Veteran right-back Coleman announced on May 15 that he was calling time on his Toffees playing career following his move from Sligo Rovers in January 2009 for a now fabled ‘sixty grand’ fee. The man from Killybegs, County Donegal, said: “After more than 17 years at this great football club, I’ve decided this season will be my last as a player here. I want to thank the fans for their unbelievable support. You’ve helped me in more ways than you could imagine.
“I’ve always tried my best to put Everton Football Club first and you all mean the world to me. I live in the city – I see you all daily – and I’ve taken your love of the football club back into the dressing room to explain to the lads how much Everton means to the people.
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“I also thank my managers, teammates and all the staff at Everton. They’ve seen me happy, sad, angry, emotional, but the greater cause has always been Everton Football Club. Thank you for making me a better captain and teammate. It’s an incredible football club with incredible people. “Obviously, after such a big decision, I want to have some time over the summer to focus on what’s next for me and my family.”
The 37-year-old subsequently came on as a substitute against Sunderland to knock former team-mate Leon Osman and the club’s all-time leading scorer Dixie Dean out of the top 10 for appearances and after also coming on against Tottenham Hotspur he finishes on 435 outings for the Blues, including a record 374 in the Premier League, some 20 ahead of another ex-colleague Tim Howard, albeit only featuring 13 times for the Toffees in the last two seasons.
Now, his former international team-mate Shane Long reckons Coleman could continue in the Premier League by being reunited with his former Everton manager Frank Lampard at newly promoted Coventry City.
Speaking to BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest football betting, the 39-year-old who was capped 88 times by the Republic of Ireland, scoring 17 international goals, said: “He’s been linked with Wrexham, but Coventry City could be a smart move for Seamus. He can definitely carry on, it just depends on Seamus and how his body feels.
“He had a bad leg break when I was playing with him for Ireland and has had a few niggling injuries since. He constantly works to return to fitness, plays, and then gets injured again, so I’m sure he’ll do what’s best for him, his body, and his family.
“Seamus is one of the most genuine people you’d ever meet, everything about him is focused on wanting the team and the club to do well, and he never puts himself ahead of the team.
“He’s a great leader as well. I’m sure any team promoted into the Premier League would love to have him for his experience alone and his leadership skills.
“I’ve yet to meet a person who has a bad word to say about Seamus Coleman, he’s that sort of character.”
Indeed, it was while he was in charge at Goodison Park in 2022 that Lampard, who won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups a Champions League and UEFA Europa League as a player, declared Coleman to be “the best man I’ve ever met.”
Verdict: There is no doubting Coleman's exemplary quality, character and leadership but his lack of game time over recent seasons is a huge red flag. City need to operate smartly in the transfer market and can't afford to take risks on players who may or may not be fit enough to play.
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Coventry City are back in the Premier League
The Coventry Telegraph has produced a stunning special edition marking the achievements of Frank Lampard and his men.
And to celebrate, the Coventry Telegraph has produced this stunning 48-page special edition marking the achievements of Frank Lampard and his men.
Since relegation in 2001, the Sky Blues have gone through many well-documented lows, but a quarter of a century later, free-scoring City have earned promotion in emphatic style.
And our bumper special edition is the perfect souvenir to remember that fantastic achievement by.
We'll have match reports, pics, and reaction from every kick of City's journey back to English football's promised land.
It's all here... the avalanche of goals pre-Christmas that made promotion look nailed on, the brief wobble that followed, and the revival under Lampard to consolidate their position at the top of the table.
Plus, Sky Blues writer Andy Turner will have pages and pages of in-depth analysis on the title-winning season, manager Lampard's success, key players, and what lies ahead for the club in the top flight.
Club historian Jim Brown will also share his fact-filled take on promotion, while there will be pictures and reports from the Sky Blues' joyful promotion celebrations.
Click here to buy
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