Seamus Coleman: Player or Coach – What Does the Future Hold for a Blue Icon?

I doubt very much that everyone seems agree that Seamus deserves a new contract, I don't but would like to see what he offers as a coach.

I was surprised that he was offered a new contract in the last 2 years, on the other hand Ashley Young was derided by some on here when he got a 1-year contract last season and was jumped on for his mistakes early in the season but overall, I think he had a better than average season.

But I'd like him at the club in some capacity. Someone, a while back mentioned the academy. That could be a good start for him.

Dave, I have agreed with you a number of times on Ashley Young. He was important for us this season with his experience. And the nark that he is, getting in the ref's and oppositions' players' ears.

I've said many a time, why not our man in Ireland? He's held in high regard over there and there has always been a wealth of talent there to draw on and nurture.

I agree that we should not offer Seamus a new contract. He struggles to complete 90 minutes nowadays and has rarely featured for 2 seasons. But I haven’t read many posters question it so assumed I was in the minority.

He has shown great leadership, so a transition to the Academy coaching team to learn his craft seems the right step this summer.

But when he played our last game at Goodison, he had to come off early, so keeping him on a playing contract doesn't make sense, in my opinion.

Predominantly as a coach but given the likelihood we will have a small squad, having him as an option in a crisis may be worthwhile.

The danger is we could be paying him as a professional Evertonian. We already have 50,000 of them only they don't add extra strain to our wage bill.

We used to scoff at these sentimental appointments when Bill was running the show Why is it different now?

From what Moyes says, he wants to keep him in some capacity - “I need him here, his leadership, his message he has among the players and in the dressing room is so strong, it will be wrong of me to let him go. One way or another, Seamus will be here certainly next season.”

But you are correct in your suggestion that it could be sentiment over actual coaching credentials. It may well be, but also it may not be.

I thought you’d know Seamus is a qualified coach, he gained his coaching badges over the last 6 years.

He wouldn’t have been allowed on the pitch for the FA Cup match, when he and Baines took temporary charge of the team otherwise. You probably won’t believe this either.

Being honest, Seamus, has looked like one of the few people in the game who comes across like he genuinely cares, so hopefully he becomes a success in his new role🤞

I do understand your sentiments though, especially because I have more than most, poured scorn on what I have always viewed as incredible nepotism, (how many new managers got a readymade first team coach?) but Seamus Coleman, does come across as a very honest and very grounded human being, who might also become a major asset to Everton, off the pitch, in the future? We will see

Who has he coached? Coaching badges are ten a penny. Experienced coaches who have coached top class professionals are not.

Duncan Ferguson came back to work for nothing and worked his way up to first team to a point where even Carlo Ancelotti praised his coaching ability. But many, many people couldn't wait to get rid of him resenting the fact that he was only given a job because he was an Evertonian.

Not saying I agree or disagree, just asking... What is the difference

Although Duncan Ferguson does seems to attract a lot more negative feedback than Seamus from fans. Most likely due to his often highlighted private life and its impact on his football?

From seeing his athleticism on the golf course yesterday, looking for errant drives... I think he can still do a job if needed to add depth to the squad.

Koeman, Allardyce, Silva, Ancellotti and Benitez, were all given the same first team coach, when they got the Everton job, and being a person who is craving total professionalism, for our football club, then this was something I found both astounding and also remarkable.

Martinez, promoted Ferguson from within, something it looks like David Moyes, is about to do with Seamus Coleman, but unless managers keep getting the sack whilst Seamus remains, I personally don't see that much of a similarity.

He has been thinking about a coaching career for years.

It never does - and just because Duncan, initially walked away from the game, doesn’t mean he wasn’t a talented coach, but anyone who thinks that he wasn’t getting looked after by one particular person, in the boardroom, still doesn’t understand why Mr Kenwright, was such a great player, imo🤷‍♂️

You and Danny really need to stop being the police on here.

You'd have to ask the people who slag off Duncan Ferguson, Colin🤦‍♂️ come on Ryan, I'm here to debate lad, not cast ridiculous aspersions mate👍

My main concern is the type of players we are being linked to and the seemingly lack of urgency to get players in for preseason.

Seamus contract is the least of our worries.

Far too many released youngsters to suggest they've a good chance of making it with the blues. The odds are against them if we put the blue-tinted specs down for a second.

We nodded, then he turned back, asked me how I was coping in lockdown, asked how my family were and introduced me to his youngsters. What a gent.

I just think Patterson needs to revive his career somewhere else, so we will need a good back-up for Tete. We can't let O'Brien play at right-back forever.

If he loves the club he'll thank it for enriching him over the last 2 years and maybe take an academy job at the going rate.

I know he comes across as a genuine and decent person but he's never won a thing and was only ever a good player at best, being a positive in the dire last decade doesn't justify another Everton charity contract.

But your cheap shots and disparaging comments won't be shared by many Blues. There are good reasons why he's, almost, universally loved... you don't seem to recognise them.

You changed your comment fairly quick? NOWow that you have read Seamus has his coaching license, you now ask who has he coached… unreal!

Why not compliment an outstanding servant to Everton on and off the field?

I hardly think you can point a finger at Seamus for never having won anything when, as you (almost) say, he played in a dire team in the last decade.

I hope they do – but realistically the chances are very low. I doubt they are being considered for first team roles in the coming season.

Patterson is presumably being lined up for sale or (if we can't sell him) a loan too – since, despite having ability, he's obviously not impressed anyone in a managerial capacity.

No need to get all sentimental about these things. Our rivals have no qualms about letting people go and moving on – and neither should we. It is a chance for players who haven't quite made the grade initially to drop down a level or two and rebuild. Some will have better careers for it.

Oh yeh, Coleman, who most think should not be given a player contract. Give the bloody young lads a go – and that includes Patterson.

We need a fecking striker so any wages need to go to a top quality goalscorer, not a right-back.

Patterson has had loads of chances and he's awful. Back to Cowdenbeath in Scotland.

Coleman done it the hard way, so I'm sure a lot of these young footballers, would benefit from learning their trade from someone as grounded, honest and hardworking, especially because he will be able to teach them one of life's greatest gifts, which is making sure that a person can get the most out of himself, imo.

I don't care if he lasts 10 minutes – he led us out in the last game at Goodison and should lead us out in the first game at Bramley-Moore Dock.

Are you jealous at what Phil #26 said about what Seamus said to him in the park. Ffs lad grow up and don't be such a massive begrudger. Cheerleader / player / coach he's a gem and a gent and ours.

I think my only thoughts at the time were that Duncan looked like a spare part in the dugout. I'm not being harsh or critical. Maybe that was Ancelotti's way. Who are we to question Carlo if he said he was a good coach? Fair comment Colin.

If Seamus does stay and if he does move onto the coaching side, it will depend on what Moyes wants. I still think the academy might be a good place to start, but I agree that his presence would be welcome in the dressing room. There would probably be no keeping him away.

Ryan. Honestly mate. We don't "police" this site. We report and comment on matches. We discuss and debate players, as well as other contributors' posts. We agree or disagree with each other. No different than a pre-match discussion in a pub.

As you've mentioned Duncan Ferguson, I don't think anyone has or is slagging him off. Revered by many, but to some, myself included, we've mostly questioned him as a player. Not that he wasn't a good player, he was. I just never felt he lived up to his potential. I won't use injuries, as a player can't help that. And, as Brent says about Seamus, he did play mostly in poor teams. It's all opinions.

It was well documented that he had taken his coaching badges all those years ago. so it came as a considerable surprise when Liam told me he was still at level UEFA B. To put that in perspective. There are currently well over 200,000 UEFA qualified "coaches".

To get to level A from level B takes another 180 hours over a period of time. I've got to ask; Why, in six years has Seamus not progressed to the next level ? Its not as if he didnt have the time ? He wasnt playing and he wasnt coaching so what was he doing for the millions he was collecting from the club ? Being a nice popular guy who demands performances from others that he couldnt produce himself ?

Here's what he said a month ago - "I have done my coaching badges but I could easily disappear back to Donegal with my family and not have too much to do with football when I'm finished playing"

Seamus is very nice man. Difficult not to like, but as a player he was finished years ago. We just kept paying him...Thats all.

I stopped taking him seriously as a player years ago and given his rapid rise to the middle. I'm struggling to take him seriously as a coach.

The place stank of sentimental nepotism for years while Moyes was here working for Kenwright. I sincerely hope we are not going to allow Davey Boy to take us back there ?

What a load of absolute wham.

Everton fans hey!

Some Everton fans are utterly clueless.

Oh and Rhino too.

Once again, I agree with a lot of what Colin says @39 says. I would probably word it differently, Colin!!!

Seamus's legs have been gone for a number of seasons now. It was really evident against Fulham away, even though he only came on in added time. And his 15 minute or so send off against Southampton.

I don't think he has much football left in him. I wanted him to retire before the start of last season, I didn't want our affection for him to be ruined - our crowd can turn on anyone - Peter Reid, anybody?

But with the amount of players as subs now, he may still be able to provide assistance on the pitch when called upon. He may even influence from the bench.

More importantly, he will be a huge presence around Finch Farm and the new stadium. I'm sure his contract has been duly assessed by those offering it and those representing him. We will be better off for his being around.

I remember how it turned on Peter Reid.

I think it was we played QPR and he had moved to them by then. I was in the Paddock, got a lot of abuse and ended up arguing with a few of the Everton supporters.

As Reid has been mentioned, him having had a "few shandy's" before the Southampton match.

I could hear most of the interviews on the day when those around weren't singing.

Last one on Duncan, but lighthearted, I think the big man may have joined him!!!

And you're surprised he's still at UEFA B, considering he was earning millions from the club.

Also, he wasn't playing or coaching for the last 6 years, and as a player he was finished years ago — and once again, "Danny" agrees with him… unbelievable!

I find it hard to listen to the cheap and derogatory comments about a player who gave blood sweat and tears for a club he loves. You now have one less contributor to ToffeeWeb, cheers.

I proudly wear the Paddy's Day edition shirt from last year with Seamus 23 on the back. I think, especially after a few Guinnesses, that Seamus is my all-time favourite Everton player. I'd love to meet him and tell him to his face what he means (to most of us).

He may not have won a trophy with us, nor did Bob Latchford nor Mike Lyons, but he'll be forever a legend.

I absolutely worship the fella!

I wouldn't take it that way. I don't think anyone has been derogatory towards Seamus.

If anything, we all agree on a lot of things said about him.

Some are just pointing out the obvious, not what he's done for Everton in a difficult period. We know how popular he is and always will be. You hear it from the stands, even when he is just warming up.

If Lyon are demoted, assume they don't get their Europa League spot meaning this Textor guy doesn't/ didn't need to sell his Palace shares. And I thought the life of an Evertom fan was fun 😀

It's all there in black and white and utterly embarrassing for whoever wrote it – a classic case of being snide for the sake of it and digging themselves further into a corner.

Don't let Crooks and the rest of the ToffeeWeb police drive you away.

I knew you would be coming on to defend Seamus and rightly so but look at the thread: Seamus is overwhelmingly defended and admired by Everton fans.

You and me both said earlier in the thread that Seamus is past getting another contract but it didn't stop us thinking that Seamus deserved a go at coaching with the Blues.

Christy, please have second thoughts about leaving ToffeeWeb, you will be missed.

If Moyes thinks he can still play, I'm willing to accede to his judgement. And if our $8 billion owner thinks he's worthy of a contract, because of his playing skills or his leadership presence or both, I'm not gonna dispute that either.

Seeing folks complain about what "we" pay a player always makes me smile, because "we" don't have the name 'Friedkin' on our checking accounts. It's his money, not ours.

Stay on board, mate, and hope to see you next season.

If there is a vacant role within the clubs structure that could successfully utilise Seamus's talents as a motivator from the bench or in the dressing room then so be it.

But I seriously doubt such a post exists so if it were to happen it would mean a post has been created especially for him. This is not good business.

Everton are owned and run by a business consortium.
Most of us have said for years that the club needs to be run more on business like lines.

This means to me that we should honour and remember Seamus for his contribution and loyalty to the club and move on.

There is little place in business for sentimentality and as a cynical old colleague of mine used to constantly remind me ”the cemeteries are full of people who were indispensable“.

Sorry, that last remark seems a little out of context I was just trying to say, people come and go but the organisation moves on.

Unlike previous Corinthians we had and loved, the sport they played in is now so horribly different to the current world, in their pomp, and there's the rub as far as I'm concerned.

Leighton Baines is very, very similar to Seamus IMO in embodying "legendary" Evertonian status - but just what has he achieved in his current role of five years as a full-time Everton coach?

Come to that what have ANY of our former player-cum-coaches ever achieved for any club, anywhere?

So, respect and affection aside, just why can anyone be confident that Seamus, unlike just about everyone of his predecessor player/coaches, will turn out to be as successful as our most successful player/coach, Colin Harvey?

Or is that too much to ask?

Here is a man who himself who admitted that he should not have been offered his last contract. Turns out, that goal vs. Leeds was worth seeing.

The club needed him beyond what made economic sense. That was a damn close call, or three, surviving the threat of relegation. Are we sure he wasn't a crucial factor in keeping the squad going under the bully's methods that had lost their efficacy? How much was that worth? And doesn't that suggest some coaching skills or intangibles?

I know this is a different argument than the above over an offer of a playing contract. However, I don't think this is hyperbole.

However most (not all) agree his contribution as a player, and consequently as a regular captain on the pitch is no longer sustainable. It's therefore questionable what role he'd have as a non-playing influence in the dressing room that wouldn't encroach on the on-pitch captain's role.

These expressed opinions are not derogatory or 'cheap' towards Coleman but if posters take offense to opposing opinions or only want to come on ToffeeWeb to read nice, kind words about the players then perhaps there are 'safe' echo chambers elsewhere that presumably won't offend them.

Only the manager, the CEO and the owner will decide whether Seamus is good enough to play and/or valuable enough to pay.

Either way, it will be a business decision. As De Rossi found out at Roma, the Friedkins are not big on sentiment. The club legend was sacked swiftly and brutally.

It was quite funny to see the evolution of the argument:

- What credentials does Seamus have as a coach?
- Oh he does have coaching badges? They are ten a penny.
- What he has a UEFA Level B badge he obtained in 2020?
- Why doesn’t he have a UEFA Level A badge then? He is not commited at all then, taking millions from the club etc.

The key point was actually in post @ 12 “Duncan Ferguson came back to work for nothing and worked his way up to first team.”

Why should Seamus be given a place on on the coaching staff this summer when poor old sainted, unappreciated Big Dunc had to start his coaching career working for free?

I've already aired my view on Seamus. Not just on this thread, but elsewhere, but I'll repeat. I think I've been pretty consistent.

Player. No, I don't think so. If he stays at the club and it's in a coaching capacity, then I think the academy would be a good place for him to cut his teeth. But that is for Seamus and Moyes to decide if we go down that route. That's just an opinion.

I also like the idea of mentoring new players that was mentioned.

I've long been frustrated with "jobs for the boys", but this wouldn't fall into the category of some hair raising previous appointments in my opinion. To counter myself, doesn't that happen everywhere? People tend to stick with who they know and trust.

As for salary. That is for the CEO and recruitment team to sort out if Moyes says it's what he wants and if they approve.

Good point on De Rossi and Roma Mike G. They didn't mess around at all.

On an off topic level, the main Everton FC site indicates the capacity at the new stadium for Premier League fixtures and sporting events will be 52,769, cut by 119 seats.

Is there an off-topic area on the site where we can post random comments rather than hijack the main threads?

Steve is correct, I looked back at the comments, and for someone to say, "Seamus demanded a performance from players he never produced himself" — I should have laughed, a complete windup to get a reaction, and whatever about who agreed with him.

I'll skip over them comments in future!!

This thread has been comical. The same debate as to whether a player should be given another contract comes up about pretty much all of them.

Seamus Coleman earns a reported 70k a week. 7.5m in the past two years. Thats a lot of dosh for very little in return for a club in our situation. The questions are valid and whether people like it or not they will be asked.

Whilst I always welcome a little outrage especially if it has comedy value. I would be interested to know if any of those expressing it can actually answer some of the questions.

What has Seamus Coleman contributed to this team in the past two seasons ?

At 36 with a body now letting him down has he done enough to warrant an extension ?

Assuming we arrive at the obvious conclusion we then ask.

Should he be kept on as a coach ? if so why ?

what are his credentials ?...Who has he coached ? Why did he get to a ten-a-penny mid level standard and not pursue a higher grade ? Are there better more qualified coaches out there who will come an awful lot cheaper ?

If not kept on as a coach we then we get to the brainless Moyes notion that he should be kept on in some capacity - Fuck me

Sorry guys More questions

What do we keep him on as ?

Do we create a job for him ?

Do we invite him into the dressing room to give the team talk ? If so what will Moyes do?

Do we keep him around the place to show players how to be a winner ? He hasnt managed that so far.

What have you got in mind ???

Do we keep him on for sentimental value ? if so why dont we bring back the likes of Nev, Reidy, or sheedy...At least they knew what a winning culture looked like.

Everybody loves Seamus, but everybody loved Reidy. Big Nev..Sheedy, Unlike Seamus they were winners...but when their time was up their time was up.

We've seen the histrionics and the outrage. How about a few answers ?

I'm all ears

Colin no doubt he has been working away at his coaching badges,I would have had no doubt about that. But I do agree with the sediments you ex press.Seamus would keep going through a brick wall and is Everton true and true.Unfotubately what has rubbered off on many around him over the years is questionable at times and he has been stuck in his position and blocked the development of under studies even when not fit enough .Whildt his contribution has been admirable in a weak team and at times excellent, if Everton had been challenging at the highest levels he would have been long gone.The one year extension has become a facet of Everton. It has now become a necessity.Now one years contracts are a problem with over 9 players needing sorted out, including Seamus famed position.

Seamus has had a good career but he should have moved on to a team that was challenging for trophies.He was probably reluctant to go out of his comfort zone.Throughout the past 30 plus years there has been a lot at Everton very comfortable, whilst the Club has under performed and moved from crisis to crisis.

If Seamus wants to Coach let him go and learn his trade and build his reputation somewhere else.Put the work in and come back to Everton.Ferguson and Unsworth proved to be pretty useless when they had to coach outside Everton.

One strong point for TFG is that they are bring in people with proven records at other Clubs, even ex Everton who have build careers.They must see Seamus as part of continuity in the short term at the moment.

It would be better for Seamus and better for Everton if he build a career , rather than be a backroom workhorse like Boxer in George Orwells Animal Farm.

He has hardly played for 2 years and when he has, he's exposed. It's clear that he isn't worth a new contract. Just because he's vocal and talks us up doesn't mean he should be employed, top clubs don't do that.

Jake at #45 asks about Leighton and Unsworth too, if they're best in class they should be employed. That's what top teams do but sentimental old Everton want to keep old players around to promote the Everton Way… that's working well, isn't it?

But over the years I've found many TWers' opinions on the merits of players and previous managers' decisions to be very knowledgeable and intelligent even some I didn't initially agree with. While I take your point that they're unlikely to influence the manager's decisions, I wouldn't necessarily describe those as meaning sweet F.A.

For example, many TWers rightly questioned and didn't "accede" to Dyche's judgement to omit playing O'Brien, and those opinions appear to be vindicated once he was given the chance to perform under Moyes.

I think the same can be said for the reservations expressed by many on TW about previous managers' decisions to play, appoint, or retain some players and ex-players based on either sentimental grounds or just poor judgement. I'd hardly describe these opinions, representative of many of this club's passionate fans, as meaning "sweet fuck all".

No one mentioned anything about fans.

Read the thread again, Mike, especially what your good friend Peter had to say about a true Everton great, when sections of the crowd turned on him because they no longer deemed him good enough to wear the jersey.

Going back further to when you said “we” always makes you smile, because it's not our money, it's the Friedkin's, takes me back to when Moshiri started spending money, and a few people on ToffeeWeb said exactly the same thing.

It's not our money, but the way it was ridiculously spent ended up costing and nearly ended up costing Everton or “us” our Premier League status, so let's hope TFG are a lot more sensible with “our club”.

I love reading your comments.

Whatever the subject, you have an innate ability to get to the heart of any matter. You then give your erudite view very succinctly. Do you write for a living?

Football, was, is and always will be, a very simple game, imo, and although it will continue to be confused by idiots, (again imo) my own view is that you can’t underestimate the value of keeping things simple.

It’s a no- brainier for me, because we have a man who loves the club, a man who knows the club, and if he his looking for any other references, then you only have to see how many people have sang his praises, over the last few horrible painstaking years, with most of the praise being, talk about his leadership qualities.

Seamus, wasn’t paying people to sing his praise, I think it was just more that people wanted to praise him? Simply because when the chips were down - as they often were” Seamus Coleman stood up tall, stayed strong, and would always be counted upon?

Despite what I've about Seamus and our academy, maybe if he goes down the coaching route, it could be an idea to go somewhere else?

One thought that hadn't crossed my mind was him perhaps becoming involved with the Republic of Ireland setup. Just a thought.

Lee Carsley has done well with England and is content remaining with the U21s rather than taking a full-time manager or head coach role somewhere else.

All I would say, is that if Seamus remains at Everton or not and if he goes into coaching and has ambitions of management, don't leave it too late as was the case with Duncan Ferguson and David Unsworth.

So if it's not a playing role, then it's likely to be a coaching role. Seems pretty straightforward to me.

I would hope that decisions on coaching staff are being made based on ability. You never know with these things. We recently gave Charlie Adam 6 months in a role, which from the outside, seemed to involve laying out cones before games.

Expert instructions such as "just have a go" or "take the corner".

That's my attempt at sarcasm by the way. It was a strange appointment. Agree, it should be on perceived ability

Off track slightly, but as you mentioned Adams I see Brentford look set to appoint their specialist set piece coach as replacement to Thomas Frank. Big boots to fill.

It will interesting to see how the much admired Brentford fair post-Frank era. And there are strong rumours that Manchester United are closing in on Mbeumo, so they could lose him.

I know we need to keep emotion out of it but I think the club owe him some sort of role. Moyes seems to feel the same way — I hope gets his way.

I just didnt know until Steve Brown (and Liam) told me, what a very basic level Seamus was at. As for being Experts on his "day to day coaching" abilities I don't think anybody claimed to be so.

I did ask what his credentials were and who he has coached, I was kinda hoping one of the outraged would help me out.... but the silence has been deafening.

Its not enough to scream the house down. You need to counter those who question whether he should be kept on. You need come back with some credible answers.

Screaming "I love Seamus so don't you dare question him or I will leave TW" isn't going to convince anybody

Its Keith Andrews at Brentford. He's had a number of coaching jobs since he retired, mostly assistant type roles, before he got the job as set piece coach. I also remember his punditry on Sky for Championship games - mostly because my better half said he had 'lovely eyes' 🤣

I think the word you are looking for is “ potential”. Does he have the potential to be a decent coach?

We don't know… but Moyes does!

Thank you for the kind comments, I wish I did write for a living but wouldn't know where to start!

I owe it to my Dad and a couple of nuns I guess, he always told me I could paint a picture with the way I write but I am hopeless at art, haha.

But really I tend to read not just what's said but just as importantly, what's not.. assumptions and joining dots, that's me, on a fast road to oblivion!

At the heart of it all its about Everton, I can't remember when it started I think before I could walk! But it's about the passion and love we all for this club and the diverse tribe from every walk of like, across every continent, time and space, that link us.

For me it's hugging a stranger next to you when the blues score, never met but somehow friends as everyone here is.

What is Kevin Sheedy up to? Mind, we also have Leighton Baines, but it depends on his duties as Assistant Manager.

Nice eyes. What more of an endorsement does he need? Now you'll have me checking them out!!

At no stage did I say I didnt know that he had a coaching badge. Thats just a diversion from people who cant come up with answers to simple questions.

I did question his credentiials. still am

Nobody has ripped his career apart. Just asked why he should be given another contract.

Nows your chance...The floors all yours.

I'll be back tomorrow to see if you have put up a semi decent list of reasons why.

Remember; "I love Seamus" doesnt cut it

Most ex-footballers build up their UEFA badges over time. Leighton Baines only got his Pro Licence 12 months ago, but had been coaching full-time for 4 years. He also did his initial B badges when he was a player, like Seamus.

Having the badges, doesn't necessarily make you a great coach - they are so widespread to be almost meaningless. Even I and our resident agent provocateur, Col, have one 🤣

Unfortunately, they have to do them to get to various levels. Like quite a few on here we did. Mine got me to youth level, but I could assist with training at adult level.

Christine @100, nice words. As you described on a previous thread that I wrote, we are Everton family. Or should I say a loose federation of warring tribes with a common love and goal?!!

Looks like some can't.

'Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson says he is hopeful Seamus Coleman will return for the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, but insists his future is "for him to decide".

Everton defender Coleman, 36, pulled out of the squad for next month's friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg after sustaining a thigh injury.

Coleman managed just five Premier League appearances during the 2024-25 season, but Hallgrimsson believes his captain has a role to play with the national team as they bid to qualify for their first World Cup since 2002.

"He is a leader in this squad and you cannot have his experience in many players," the Icelander told reporters on Thursday.

"His experience, his leadership skills are one thing, but his quality as a player is another thing as well.

"He's been playing at the highest level for such a long time, so it's a shame for me - and, of course the national team - not to have him around. But hopefully there will come another time for him, hopefully it will be just the off-season and he'll come fit and flying."

While Coleman's Everton contract is due to expire this summer, Toffees boss David Moyes has outlined his intention to keep the full-back.

"I know he's going to be at Everton in whatever role, maybe a little bit more leadership role, but it's for him to answer if he's going to continue playing or not," added Hallgrimsson.

"It's his decision, but I'm hoping – and I know the Evertonians are hoping – he will continue playing."

When asked if Coleman – who has 72 Republic of Ireland caps – might announce his international retirement, Hallgrimsson said: "That's for him to decide, not me."

In life I think common sense plays a big part and I’d rather have half a pound of common sense than a ton of intelligence likewise give me a coach without badges who knows how to coach rather than a a coach with the best of badges who hasn’t got a clue, and there some of them around.

Serious question did Colin Harvey have any FA badges because with or without them he knew the bleedin’ business after being in the game throughout his life and proved.

Moyes had a chief coach, honestly forget his name at the moment, who was screaming at the players in that defeat at home to Wigan in the FA cup when we were 3-0 down ‘ Get stuck into them’ —— He had plenty of badges and was employed by a few clubs, might be still going, I believe he made a lovely cup of tea!

Yet, I don't think any player no matter how great their service has been to the club should be dropped straight in to a first team role as coach.

We don't know his capabilites as a coach, he doesn't either.
He will probably want to gain some experience with the youth teams, developing his style, making his way, and mistakes to see if he has the ability as a coach.

Football is littered with great players, great leaders on the pitch who couldn't translate that into great management or coaching.

Let's not put too much pressure on him. The Baines pathway would probably give him an idea of how to go about it.

I would love to see Seamus lead out the team for our first Premier League game at the new stadium though. He deserves that!!!

It's the derogatory comments that are pissing some of us off.

Oh look- someone who's clearly doesn't know if he's got coaching credentials.

As for “nobody has ripped his career apart”, how about “he's never won a thing and was only ever a good player at best” and “highly paid cheerleader” for starters?

And you've already been given plenty of reasons why he should be kept on – which you're choosing to ignore – simply because you've been called out for calling into question his coaching abilities – based on the square root of absolutely fuck all.

As mentioned before, Seamus will know when his time is up and whether he's capable of continuing his career at the top. I don't think he's the type of person to put himself ahead of what's best for the team.

However, if he's still at the club as a player and still the club captain, I don't feel many Everton supporters would begrudge him first dibs at walking out in front of the team even if he's not in the first team or even in the match day squad. Imagine there's a PL rule against it.

Assuming he doesn't play in the match, I certainly won't begrudge him picking up the coming season's FA Cup alongside the captain at Wembley.

It's about making good judgements. Having experienced ex-players around the setup who the players respect can of course be very beneficial; but only if they have a genuine capacity to perform the job to the required standard. In such a situation it's not really 'jobs for the boys' it 'jobs for the people who can bring the most to the role'.

I see no reason why Coleman could not become a top coach and few people would be better placed to make that judgement than David Moyes.

Your post and this entire thread had me thinking which ex-Everton players became good coaches.

I got to Colin Harvey and Kevin Sheedy (Academy), but then I got stuck.

I'll leave Howard Kendall out of it. In my view, he was a manager, who it really only clicked for him when he brought Colin Harvey in to work alongside him. Conversely, Colin was really suited for management and was much happier on the training ground.

Just so I don't get shouted at by Colin, I won't doubt his comment that Ancelotti is quoted as saying Duncan Ferguson was a good coach. Just not manager material.

Andy @104, I would have guessed you would have that admiration for Seamus. He may be Irish, but forgetting the border, he's an Ulsterman!! And a fine footballer as well as a person.

But we have a new CEO in place appointed by TFG, neither of which have any sentimentality to anyone at the Club, past or present.

So if it's a sentimental appointment it's got to be a hard sell to the new boy as his neck is on the line. If not and there's a solid reason for keeping Seamus on that's even better.

In any event, I can only wish Seamus well in whatever he chooses to do.

It could be just 2-3K per week short term mostly with the intent that his future lies as some sort of Academy coach but this season will also be registered as part of a 25 man squad and may get a spot on the bench or a game in a League Cup fixture against a lower league club while maybe acting as a mentor to Patterson and Dixon.

Maybe Rob Halligan could advise if 2-3Kpw gross is enough to survive on around Calderstones.

I always say that the biggest word in the dictionary is “contradiction” because I believe it’s something we all do it at different times.

I would put Seamus, in the academy and I would try and get someone to convince Wayne Rooney, that just because he’s been a poor manager, doesn’t mean he might not be a fantastic coach, and get him back inside finch-farm!

Coleman reminds me of another Irishman, who I have always had an enormous amount of respect for, Pat Rice. A one club man, full of honesty, integrity, wisdom and genuine love for his team. I wonder if Seamus could be as successful?

With the exception of the two outraged posters, from what I see most people who commented on my post generally agreed with me.

I don't see anywhere. Where people criticised Seamus "for being a decent human being"

Nor do I see anywhere where he is accused of "Sponging off the club for years and is (wait for this) "therefore going to be a shit coach".

I don't see anywhere where anybody accuses him of "raking in millions"

Actually do do see one person. That person is jake. Frothing at the mouth and getting himself even more outraged by taking what others have said and putting his own spiteful twist to it. I guess some people are desperate to be offended.

BTW; I didnt say Seamus was a cheerleader either.

When people say Seamus has won nothing they are no ripping his career apart. They are stating a fact. A load of medals were not removed from his draw because they said it. He didnt win any...When they say he has been finished as a top EPL player for years. They are stating what many believe to be the blindingly obvious.

Matt le Tiss was on a completely different planet and could have played for anyone....Still won fuck all though....

Regarding owner spending, my point is ironic rather than literal, and of course I take yours, but I have zero worries about the Friedkins behaving as stupidly as Kenwright and Moshiri did with FFP/PSR. Their Roma people haven't done a good job of picking the right players to spend on, but at least they haven't put the club in any financial danger. These are real businesspeople.

(BTW, with your insider connections I wonder if you ever heard the bizarre story around Siggy's purchase from Swansea, with Usmanov instructing Moshiri to deliberately overpay in order to "big up" player and club.)

Martin #99, Liam #103 and Sam #113, I'd like to bring up a point about Coleman's coaching badges -- his pursuit of them doesn't necessarily mean he aspires to be a professional coach. Tim Cahill earned his badges, but only to be fully qualified for his youth academy ventures in Australia, Dubai and China. He never went after a pro coaching job of any kind.

Seamus might very well want to follow Bainesy's path (or Ferguson's), but he also might just want to take his credentials home to Donegal and open an academy.

Colin and Christy, I loved Le Tiss. He and Thierry Henry were my favorite non-Everton players.

let me explain something to you. Nobody on this site gets to decide on anything at Everton. The editor puts up a question asking what the futures holds for Seamus...Now he is fully aware that his fellow TW'S don't have a crystal ball. He is inviting people to give an opinion.

Here's the thing; people will give an opinion and you coming on screaming "snides" and "RS" and adding your own spiteful rhetoric to what they actually said because you hate what they are saying wont alter it.

Being a popular figure, Seamus got off very lightly compared to other players, Praise is heaped on him, but if people think he has been reduced to a roll off "cheerleader they will say so. It doesnt matter if you hate people saying that he finished as a player. They are entitled to say it and its probably true.
You may hate that they say he hasnt won anything but its a fact. These are honest opinions and all the ranting and name calling in the world from you wont stop people saying what they think.

BTW; Nobody on here has the wherewithal to "rip Seamus colemans career apart"

You are also wrong about Davey Moyes and his staff making a decision on Coleman. They can make him an offer But only last month he gave an interview saying that he may take his family, fuck off back to Donegal and do something away from football.

Seamus Coleman will decide where he and his family end up..

I asked Sean Dyche about him and he said that although he had heard the stories, he had found Moshiri to be fine. When he elaborated a little bit, it didn't quite sound like Moshiri was in full control, or he simply didn't care how his money was being spent.

I actually think the Everton crowd has really mellowed when I compare it to my earliest years of going to Goodison Park. I still hope Seamus hangs his boots up because it hasn't completely mellowed.

Must have felt like Christmas came early for Swansea.

Off topic, but I've often wondered why Northern Ireland and the Republic don't enter as one team like they do in Rugby. Then again, I've always thought a UK / Great Britain team would have been a good idea.

I don't think Colin has said anything out of order, just aired his view in his own way. I have occasionally locked horns, but when I read between the lines, I can usually see what point he's trying convey in his own words, often agreeing with him. If we don't then so be it.

As much as we view things different, we also say things in a different way.

It doesn't have to be mine or anyone else's. It's his. He's a big lad and can handle himself.

It's not something I remember reading. Everything I've read from both Seamus and the club recently has been about him staying on.

I remember him saying something like that a few years back, but not since Moyes came back.

Also a bit sad that you place absolutely no value on the vast majority of Everton players to become an inspirational coach because they've not won anything. I value Everton players much higher than that.

Money.and power that's why there are so many associations. They couldn't agree whether a fart is wind or just a bad smell.

Trying to work out how to send you this as a podcast. never done it. I may need to wait until one of the grand kids come round.

But here's what he says - "I've done my badges but I could easily disappear back to Donegal and not have much to do with football when I finish playing."

On management: "Will I go into management? I don't know, I have worked under a lot of great managers, all very different. You learn something from each of them. But I might just walk away and do something else."

Good article. these are just a couple of lines with lots of direct quotes from Seamus and Moyes.

Give me 5 minutes…

If so, you can copy the URL. I know what you're saying, I'm only 53 and from a technical background, but I'm slowly starting to ask my son for assistance!!!

There is a good one on Facebook, but I appreciate not everyone is on that, so can see the links.

It looked like after the sale of Sigurdson, that they had decided to give up on the Premier League, although I don't know what their circumstances were at the time.

It was never Moshiri's club, imo, but it's all water under the bridge now, and after years of standing still and then stagnation, then it's hopefully time for Everton, to start moving forward again.

It's been a bit sad driving along County Rd, because it no longer belongs to Everton, but the closer it gets to the new season, the closer we get to a brand new beginning.

Let's hope it's as good as we all hope for🤞🍀

The interview is with an Irish fella called Kevin Palmer.

I just searched from my lap top history

Kevin Palmer; Seamus Coleman should be hailed one of the great champions of irish sport.

Not a link as such, but it will take you there

I'm not 100% sure that the Seamus quotes in that article (although published recently) are from recently?

In the article the journalist references 'in an interview with the Sunday World a couple of years back'.

Also, the quote "Will I go into management ? I don't know I have worked under a lot of great managers. All very different. You learn something from each of them. But I might just walk away and do something else" is definitely from a few years back as it appears in another article from the same journalist from 2023.

https://m.sundayworld.com/sport/soccer/kevin-palmer-seamus-coleman-facing-a-sad-end-to-his-everton-story/a1698501938.html

Difficult to say 100% but the quotes in the article seem to be from a while ago and a bit of a re-hash from the journalist?

Coleman — 100% not as a player at whatever he's on.

Great servant to the club without doubt but then so am I and thousands of others but we don't get paid millions for being so.

I read this a couple of weeks back and I didn't pick that up. I'll take another look.

I do remember quotes from Moyes and they couldn't possibly be old quotes. not that old anyway.

Assuming you are right. it does still give you an insight into Coleman's thoughts. He is very definitely his own man and those thinking he is sweating on the club to secure his future need to give it a little more thought.

I'm sure that you're right - he will make his own decision. Clearly, Moyes wants him to stay in some capacity.

I'll try and find the short clip I watched earlier. It featured Seamus, with Jake O'Brien and Moyes talking about the Donegal boy.

Tony, even though it's not my part of the city, I've walked those streets so many times. I hope we keep our connections with that community.

@8 'Is he even a coach' Which part of you didn't say it, that's just 3 examples, and then we have Danny agreeing with everything you say.

Jake didn't put any twist on it you did, you kept trying to cover your mistakes. That's me finished discussing it.

We have been in the wilderness really, but at least some of us have still got some great memories celebrating winning the league and also a few cup's, unlike these kids from the lost generation, who have somehow kept hold of their pride and their amazing blue spirit.

If I am lucky enough to be here, (if I'm here, I will definitely be there!) the next time Everton, win a trophy, I already know I will be shedding a few tears of joy, for the people who have stood the test of time.

Liam @ 103. Much obliged

Mike @ 128 I was not alluding to that. I have no idea what his long-term plans might be.

However, if he wants to remain as an assistant in Moyes's regime. sadly, and despite him being more qualified in real terms in the world of football, more than any FA coaching badge.

The coffers of that loathsome organisation must be rattled much louder in return for a cloth patch and printed sheet that says he now has their permission to speak to footballers who are his friends. about a game, that those superfluous suits know fuck-all about.

But you need a lot more with the temptations of Arabia and the Orient than you do walking the dog around the park — albeit I'm not a dog owner.

It seems with Seamus, there appears to be 4 categories.

1. Retain as a player / player-coach.
2. Retain as a coach.
3. Release and he goes off to pursue other opportunities.
4. Retain him at the club in some capacity. Ambassador, Mentor? Other clubs do it.

I'm probably between 2, 3 and 4. I know. Indecisive!!

From what I've read and seen, Moyes wants him to stay at the club. I am assuming without knowledge that he will have discussed this with his masters and the still player.

So it looks like this will be down to Seamus now to make a decision for his future and and family. Including any dogs he has.

Let them instruct the most instructable. Everybody wins.

Speke would have to have been down the Oggie or the playing fields behind the Dove, Charterhouse would have meant walks on the private golf course or the other end of Hunts X Ave on Newt's Field now built on as is Brown's Farm and Watergate Lane while Rob Halligan and an almost player/coach have Calderstones. Sefton Park has been mentioned and a park nearby in London reeks of wealth.

"Fetch", and let slip the dogs.

Mind, a lot of dogs in Speke back then used to get let out in the morning, roam the streets and come back when they were ready. They had better road sense than me!! And they were useful for sorting out those intimidating kids that used to hang outside the old style Crescent.

I didn't have a dog when I moved to Woolton, but it would have been Camp Hill, as that was walking distance from Charterhouse Road.