It’s been a tough year so far for Aaron Lennon, but Everton manager Ronald Koeman is delighted to have him back in training.
Last Monday was an exciting day for Everton and their fans, as it marked the start of pre-season training. However, even this was somewhat overshadowed by a pleasant surprise.
As we reported at the time, Aaron Lennon made an unexpected appearance at Finch Farm, to undergo fitness tests with his teammates. Without going into too much detail, he was detained under the Mental Health Act on 30 April, as a result of concerns over his welfare.
This year has been a tough one in general for Lennon, who hasn’t played a professional game since February 11. However, his return to training is certainly a positive sign for both the player and the team.
Whether the 30-year old can return to the form which convinced Everton to pay £4.5 million for him, remains to be seen. In truth, the last thing anyone wants to do is put too much pressure on him, with his quality of life away from the game still the main priority.
In truth, everyone is just happy to see Lennon back in the fold, including Ronald Koeman. Speaking to evertonfc.com on Monday, the Everton manager said:
"“I was really pleased to have Aaron back on the training pitch because everybody knows he had a difficult, hard time in the last few months of the season. Everybody is really happy that Aaron is back. It’s a good time to start to get the fitness back, to start pre-season, and it’s really good.”"
Lennon first arrived at Everton in February 2015, on a loan spell from Tottenham. He enjoyed a new lease of life, which eventually resulted in his permanent move to Goodison Park, in September of the same year.
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The former member of the Leeds United academy settled in quickly during the 2015/16 campaign, producing consistently and scoring a career-high six goals. And even though his fortunes took a downward turn last season, hopes are cautiously high that he can regain his form.
Certainly, if Lennon can achieve this, it will be a welcome bonus for an Everton team with high aspirations under Koeman. And having a player with the experience of two World Cups under his belt, can only help with these ambitions.
As a final note, Lennon took to Twitter on Monday, to offer thanks to Everton, Spurs, all football fans and his family. You can read his entire tweet here, but arguably the most significant part said:
"I want to thank all the staff and patients at The Priory in both Darlington and Altrincham and all the staff at Salford Royal Hospital…It’s important to emphasise that there is amazing help out there and anyone feeling anything out of the ordinary should seek support because it is great and good to talk."
Next: Don't expect Demarai Gray to join Everton
What kind of success are you predicting for Lennon this coming season? Are you expecting much, or just content for him to contribute however he can, as long as he remains happy away from the game? Share your thoughts in the comments section.