Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman look set to be part of the future at Everton.
David Moyes even revealed he would happily hire Coleman as a groundskeeper – if that is what it takes to keep the Irishman involved at the Hill Dickinson Stadium beyond the expiry of his contract in June.
With Leighton Baines already part of the coaching staff at Everton, the duo could both be on the touchline in Europe next season if the Toffees qualify for a UEFA competition – and they have already played a key role in this special season having been the ones to convince Moyes to return.
What changes would you make from this side to face Brentford? 🤔
Predicted Everton XI for Saturday's Premier League game against Brentford.
Credit: GRV Media
Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines visited David Moyes at home as Glaswegian contemplated Everton return
As the 62-year-old mulled over the decision to return to Everton, it was his former full-back duo who “pushed” him over the line.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Moyes said: “When the opportunity came around again, I was thinking… Everton are on the verge of relegation here.
“There had been a lot of good managers who had been here who had not been able to fix things. The one thing I knew I had in my favour was the knowledge of the club, of what the fans here demand and want. What I did not know for sure was whether we had what was required in the building.
“What happened next was that I got a call from Seamus Coleman, and he and Leighton Baines came to my house. They pushed me over the line to come back because they said with what we call in football ‘the small wins’ I could get to galvanise the team. That gave me the final nudge I needed.”
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Everton fans will be thankful that Baines and Coleman did make the effort to convince Moyes, as the Glaswegian has truly turned the Toffees around.
Relegation fears are no more, and with fifth place now confirmed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League this season, Everton are just three points away from a special achievement with only seven games to go.
Moyes is also expected to sign a new contract once the current campaign is over, with The Friedkin Group delighted by his work.
Even if an agreement cannot be reached just yet, his current terms still run until July 2027, so there is time for all parties to speak.
Will TFG have to move away from Moyes to achieve their recruitment model? 😬
Dan Friedkin.
Hopefully, Everton can keep Moyes around, as he is seemingly getting better with age in the world of football management.
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