Everton player leaves door open to a return to his homeland but not as a player

Everton captain Seamus Coleman would love to return to the League of Ireland but not as a player but in the capacity of a manager. The right-back is unarguably one of the most loyal servers to the Toffees and is now moving towards the culminating stages of his career as a player.

£63k. This was the transfer fee paid by Everton to Sligo Rovers 11 years ago. What appeared to be a wise investment at that time has turned out to be a highway robbery. The Everton captain has inhaled the city and become an integral part of Everton but any player doesn’t forget his roots, where he was born, bred and shaped like a player and person he is today.

The Irishman rose through the ranks at St. Catherine’s before moving to Sligo Rovers. The right-back dreams of returning to the Irish league, although as a manager and not as a player.

"I’m doing my coaching badges at the minute and I’ve a massive respect for the League of Ireland. The players it produces and some of the managers have been very, very good. If I was ever lucky enough to have a career in management, it would be an exciting league to manage in.As far as playing (in it again), never say never in football but I’m enjoying my time at Everton and I’m trying to give everything to them. Whatever happens in the future we will see. (via Irish Mirror)"

Seamus Coleman delighted over Everton and Sligo Rovers partnership

Everton and Sligo Rovers signed a strategic partnership in January that will help both the clubs to expand their fan bases by engaging in multiple marketing, content and engagement activities. From a sporting point of view, the clubs could develop joint summer camps and opportunities for academy teams for pre-season training.

Coleman is at the centre of the linkup as most recently he is the player who switched from Sligo Rovers to Everton. Back in 1939, the Royal Blues legend Dixie Dean joined Rovers, helping them win the FAI Cup. The 32-year-old right-back expressed excitement over this linkup.

"It’s a great relationship and when the news broke, it excited me. I think it makes sense, it’s a great partnership and hopefully the two clubs can have many happy years – and successful years – together. They’re two clubs that have played a massive part in my life so I’m over the moon with the partnership. (via Everton official website)"

Coleman continues to give his 100% for Everton but the Toffees have to think about the future. Sooner or later a successor needs to be brought to the side and there are several right-backs being considered. Max Aarons is a name that is admired by the Merseysiders but signing him won’t be easy amidst Manchester United interest.

Nonetheless, by the time Coleman hangs up his boots, he will be an Everton legend who will have etched his name in the memory books of the fans as one of the best captains in the club’s history.

Will Seamus Coleman become a successful manager one day?