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.