Seamus Coleman has extended his stay at Everton by a further year.
The club captain has penned a new 12-month deal that will take him into a 15th year with the Blues. The 34-year-old will return to Finch Farm next week in order to continue his recovery from a knee injury sustained in the away draw at Leicester City.
The news will come as a welcome boost for Sean Dyche, whose squad will see the departures of the likes of Yerry Mina, Asmir Begovic, Andros Townsend, Tom Davies when their contracts expire this week. The club is yet to announce whether Andy Lonergan has signed a new deal.
Everton director of football, Kevin Thelwell, said of Coleman: “He is one of the most respected figures in football and a huge favourite with Evertonians for very good reason: he loves the club, gives absolutely everything each time he puts on a royal blue shirt and is a model professional and leader.
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“Everyone connected with Everton wants us to improve this season and there is no better captain to help us achieve that than Seamus.”
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright said: "The number which always follows every conversation about Seamus is 60,000. But his influence on our football club has been truly immeasurable since we completed the bargain of all bargain-buys way back in 2009.
"Seamus is an Evertonian, a leader – but even more importantly, he is a sincere and genuine man. We all look to Seamus to set the best example. And he always does – on and off the pitch.
“One of my favourite ever off-the-pitch moments was when Seamus received one of his many End of Season awards.
“He was asked by host Mark Chapman why he felt he was such a popular player, not only for Evertonians but throughout football. His response was, beautifully, something like, ‘I was brought up well by my Mum and Dad. I learned everything from them. Maybe that’s why’.
“A measure of him to us is that each of Seamus’ last two contracts have been signed when recovering from injury and I am personally delighted he has accepted this latest deal.
“I’ve said it often, Seamus Coleman is one of this club's greatest heroes in its 145-year history.”
After penning the fresh terms, Coleman said: "Everyone knows how much Everton means to me which is why it is special to sign this new contract and continue to play for this great club.
“From the moment I joined more than 14 years ago, the support my family and I have had from our fans and everyone around the club has been amazing and I never take for granted just how fortunate I am to represent Everton. That has included the honour of wearing the captain’s armband in recent years.”
He added: “I’m keen to continue helping my teammates in any way I can, while passing on my experience to the younger lads and contributing on the pitch as much as possible.
“We know the past couple of seasons have not been good enough for Everton football club. But I can assure our fans that I’ll continue to give everything to put that right and, under the manager and his staff, our players will know what is expected of them for the season ahead.”
