James Garner is every Everton fan as Toffees star sends emotional message to Seamus Coleman
James Garner has summed up every supporter’s feelings after the news that Seamus Coleman will leave Everton at the end of the season.
The 37-year-old is bringing an end to his 17-year stay on Merseyside, having first joined the Toffees for just £60,000 from Sligo Warriors in the summer of 2009.
He has been an incredible servant over the years, racking up a total of 433 first-team appearances, many as club captain, but with just five games this term, it is clearly time for a change in the summer.
Everton will now need a new right-back, an area of the pitch which has been a concern for David Moyes since he was appointed, but the main focus right now is giving a proper send-off to a club legend.
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VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUBJames Garner clearly emotional as Seamus Coleman set to leave
Messages have flooded in after Coleman confirmed his decision to step away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with past and present players paying tribute to the Republic of Ireland international’s career.
The likes of Shay Given, Tony Bellew, Kevin Mirallas and Victor Anichebe have all reacted to Everton’s original announcement, with Idrissa Gueye even writing, “Let’s create a petition to keep him”.
Taking to Instagram stories (15 May), Garner wrote: Some man, 1 of a kind! Don’t make them like you no more!! Thank you for everything, skip,” with blue love hearts and upset emojis.
There is unlikely to be a lull in messages to the veteran right-back as he searches for the next step in his career, and Garner has summed up exactly how supporters are feeling about the news.
Everton star’s future still not certain despite new contract
Football Insider understands that Everton stars could follow in Garner’s footsteps after he put pen to paper on a new contract until the summer of 2030.
It was incredibly important for the Toffees to tie him down to new terms, but that doesn’t confirm that the 25-year-old stays at the Hill Dickinson until the end of his contract.
Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United have all been linked with a move for the England international, and with 10 goal contributions in 39 games, it is absolutely no surprise.
Mick Brown told Football Insider that Everton are braced for offers, and understandably so. Moyes can play a key role in his future, and it would be better to have a conversation sooner rather than later.
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