Everton’s progress under the new management has been revolutionary.
There would have been few in world football willing to take on the Toffees’ challenge after they dismissed Frank Lampard, who had only regressed the historic outfit further after the poisonous tenure of Rafa Benitez.
They were a side falling fast, yet still boasting a certain level of expectation that their status as such a huge club commanded. For many, it seemed an impossible task.
Well, that is what has already Sean Dyche a degree of hero status on Merseyside, as someone willing to simply pull his sleeves up and get stuck in.
Although last season’s survival was narrow, it has proven extremely profitable for them ever since, with the former Burnley man leading them on a fine run of form which would have them well clear of the drop were it not for their ten-point deduction.
Seamus Coleman has sought to praise the key assets he has brought to the club, detailing what he expected upon hearing his appointment, and how he has been pleasantly surprised by the outcome.
The Republic of Ireland international claimed: ‘I do see resilience in the group and I think from when the manager come in that was that was something that excited me about him.
‘He is a bit old school in a way which is actually a good thing, you know, old school principles, around the building, how you train, how you treat each other, and that’s something that I can relate to and it’s something that I was glad to see come back.
‘You’re starting to see the lads really buying into his way of working. You either fit in or that’s it, you’re not going to be part of it, so it is good to see that kind of determination, that steely side to the players, and the manager and his staff have to take credit for that as well.’
How good has Seamus Coleman been for Everton?
Although this season has been an injury-hit one for the club captain, few have forgotten just how much Coleman has given to Everton across his 15 years with the club.
Having joined from Sligo Rovers, his infamous £60k transfer fee is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s finest pieces of business, with the full-back having gone on to amass 412 first-team appearances and counting.
He is an ever-present and ever-reliable stalwart, and it is a testament to his quality that he arguably remains the club’s best right-back despite his age.
His sole start this term saw him pocket an in-form Anthony Gordon before his eventual substitution, making three clearances, two tackles and winning 100% of the duels he competed in, via Sofascore.
A return to fitness will mark a relief for Dyche, who surely will want to lean on not just his leadership qualities, but also the clear talent which has not diminished.
The 35-year-old still has so much to give, and will want to end his career at Goodison Park in positive fashion after so many years of negativity unrest.
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