Skipper on sad ending and looking ahead to new era

SEAMUS Coleman’s final farewell to Goodison Park did not go to plan.

- By CONNOR O'NEILL ECHO Reporter

The Everton captain was forced off inside the opening 20 minutes of the game against Southampton after picking up a thigh strain.

Coleman was making just his fifth Premier League appearance of the season, and David Moyes admitted post-match that he was disappointed to see his skipper depart the action as early as he did.

In the build-up to Sunday's farewell at Goodison, Moyes confirmed that Coleman will remain at the club next season, bringing an end to speculation that the Donegal man will move on once his contract expires this summer.

For Coleman, though, he admits that the season has been one of mixed emotions given the time he has spent on the sidelines.

"The end result, absolutely, was for Everton Football Club to be heading into our new stadium in the Premier League," he said.

"That's been hanging over our heads for a few years and now it's done. So, yeah, unselfishly, the goal was thankfully achieved, but, you know, for my pride and professionalism, I've been disappointed with my availability this season - there is absolutely no getting away from that.

"I've had a couple of little niggles, I had an issue with my knee which I got resolved and that helped, but I picked up another couple of little ones.