Seamus Coleman Everton fans
(Credit: Imago)

Everton fans ‘gutted’ by Seamus Coleman decision in Goodison Park swansong

Jonathan Burnett
Jonathan Burnett

Everton fans have reacted after Seamus Coleman was forced off early in their 2-0 win against Southampton in their emotional final match at Goodison Park.

Coleman started at right-back for just the fourth time this season and lead the Toffees out of the tunnel for the final time in front of the Grand Old Lady, as David Moyes‘ side began an emotional afternoon.

Rock-bottom Southampton were arguably the ideal opposition for Everton to face as a party atmosphere soon broke out at Goodison, and that was matched by Iliman Ndiaye and his team-mates’ performances.

Ndiaye netted inside six minutes to effectively seal the result against a Saints side who failed to attempt a shot until the 62nd minute, and he doubled the lead with a fine individual effort in first-half stoppage time.

Everton
Credit: Imago

Coleman decision a bittersweet ending for Everton legend

Coleman is one of several Everton players with uncertain futures with just a matter of days left until the end of the season, and Ashley Young is one of three players whose’ departures have been announced.

Football Insider revealed on 12 May that Coleman is set to continue as a member of Everton’s staff next season, but it’s unclear if the 36-year-old will now retire and become part of Moyes’ backroom team.

EvertonStatisticsSouthampton
2Goals0
2.39xG1.16
5 / 13Shots on Target2 / 6
50%Possession50%
4Corners5
Everton easily swept Southampton aside in their final match at Goodison Park [Credit: FotMob]

Against Southampton, Coleman’s first start since December lasted just 18 minutes as he pulled a muscle early on and was quickly withdrawn by Moyes, followed by a massive ovation from the home crowd.

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The veteran right-back was replaced by another in the form of 39-year-old Young, and as Everton fans bid farewell to several members of their squad, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Coleman.

Ashley Young warming up for Everton
Credit: Imago

Everton fans react to ‘Coleman testimonial’ against Southampton

Moyes’ return to Goodison Park resulted in an upturn in form which took Everton firmly out of relegation contention months ago, and since then the Toffees have been largely looking forward to their new era.

Goodison Park will stay in business to host Everton Women matches from next season as the men move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but supporters were hopeful that Coleman will remain part of the furniture.

Some fans suggested that an early cameo for Coleman “has been planned for weeks” by Everton, while others were “gutted” that the Irishman’s potential farewell appearance was cut short by injury so early.

Other supporters joked that Coleman “pretended to be injured” in order to join in on the celebrations at Goodison, while several were simply overwhelmed and said they were crying at his “testimonial” cameo.

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