Seamus Coleman makes dressing room vow as new Everton contract signed

Seamus Coleman will play in Everton’s final season at Goodison Park.

The club captain has signed a new deal with the Blues, one that will take him into a 16th season with the club.

The 35-year-old, who has dropped public hints of his plan to stay on, has penned a 12 month extension.

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The deal was confirmed by the club on Friday morning. Coleman, who suggested he was keen to stay in post-match comments after the final game of the season at Arsenal, then re-iterated them while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, said: “Everyone knows what Everton means to me, and I’m very proud and honoured to sign a new contract and to keep playing for this special club in the best league in the world. I give it my all for the football club and I’m just really happy to extend my time here. I’m going to cherish and enjoy every moment.

“It’s hard to believe it’s going to be our last season at Goodison, such a special place to me and every Evertonian. Of course, I want to be part of that. I still feel I can do a job for this football club on and off the pitch. This being our last season at Goodison is a nice way to go into the campaign but I wouldn’t have signed the contract if I didn’t feel capable of contributing to the team. I’ve just played two matches for my country. I feel good and I want to help the lads on the pitch. I’m still enjoying it so what better place to do that than at the club you love? I think the manager steadied that ship massively last season with our performances. I just want to be part of that and to continue to be a part of this football club.”

Coleman made his Everton debut at Benfica in the Europa League in October 2009. He has since gone on to become one of the club’s modern heroes and a pivotal figure in recent battles for survival, a character praised by a host of Blues managers. This view was echoed by Sean Dyche, who welcomed Coleman’s extension and said: “From the day I became Everton manager, Seamus has been a great example to his teammates and staff on what it means to play for the club. He is a model professional and helps set standards, and his leadership is rightly admired by everyone. His vast experience and know-how on the pitch will continue to be valuable qualities for us in the season ahead.”

Coleman vowed to continue to lead the Blues’ dressing room an emphasise the importance of the club to its supporters and community to his teammates. He said: “The challenges this squad has faced has brought a real togetherness. It was something I enjoyed being part of and something we can definitely use going into the new season to move forward. I’ll never stop making lads understand what this football club means to the people, either. I’m creeping up on some Everton legends and it’s great company to be in if I can get into the top-10 player appearances. It will be a proud achievement for someone who initially just wanted to come over here and make a first-team appearance. I’m just really looking forward to joining up with the squad and doing all I can again for Everton.”

Director of Football Kevin Thelwell added: “Everyone knows what Everton means to Seamus and, in turn, what Seamus means to Evertonians so we are delighted he has decided to be part of what will be a momentous last season at Goodison Park for the club. Seamus is rightly held in high esteem across football for the leader and person he is. His experience and influence will continue to prove invaluable to Sean, his coaching staff and our squad both on and off the pitch.”