With the legendary Seamus Coleman departing, Everton have a big decision to make as to why replaces him as captain.
Everton right-back Seamus Coleman will be leaving the club this summer, and first and foremost, it is incredibly sad news.
Not due to his footballing ability, but simply to what he means to the club, its players, supporters, staff, and everyone involved.
A prime Coleman would be starting week in, week out for Everton, but sadly, his best years are behind him.
In reality, the Toffees should have found a replacement for Coleman years ago, but we're still waiting.
Now, they have a big decision to make as to why replaces him as captain.
The experienced options
There are a few, natural options currently at the club.
The first one is James Tarkowski. The experienced defender is a shoo-in to start every single week under David Moyes, and has worn the armband at times before.
The concern for Tarkowski is that he's now 33 years old and has shown signs of declining recently. The English centre-back won't be playing at this level for too much longer, meaning another change will be needed soon.
The beauty of having Coleman as a captain was the continuity. With multiple changes of manager and new signings coming in every year, there was one constant that remained: Coleman.
Action Images via ReutersTarkowski could be filtered out of the side in the coming years, if not months, so it might not make a lot of sense to give him the club captaincy.
Jordan Pickford is another option for Everton, especially in terms of becoming club captain. England's number one has a contract until 2029, and a departure feels incredibly unlikely, while you'd imagine he'll remain between the sticks for Everton for many years.
That doesn't solve the 'in-game' captain, though. It's unlikely that Pickford will be the skipper on the pitch, or if that is an option, it shouldn't be. Referees are clamping down on players approaching officials unless they are wearing the armband, so realistically, it needs to be an outfield player.
The younger alternatives
As mentioned, finding a younger alternative could be a smart move from Everton. Following the Coleman blueprint, giving a player a reason to stick around, and reaping the rewards of the continuity.
James Garner is another potential contender. Back in 2023, former Manchester United academy staff member Eamon Mulvey described Garner as a quiet leader, something which has been mentioned more recently too.
He had great attributes as a footballer and as a potential leader. We’d allow them to problem-solve and his decision-making and understanding were excellent. As he got older, he’d also help others with their jobs. He was quiet but would always make himself heard. I’ve been there over 20 years and he was one of the best travellers (on away trips). He was always there, digging in and encouraging team-mates. And he had a hunger about him. That’s something you look for and think you’d want him there when your backs are against the wall.
Garner himself has also spoken about being a leader on the pitch and in the dressing room, suggesting that it comes quite naturally to him.
Making Garner captain would be a bold move from Everton due to his age, but also a potential statement that they want to build the team around him. There's no reason why it can't be something he takes on, or maybe someone like Pickford or Tarkowski as a stopgap until he's ready.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is a potential wildcard option. The former Chelsea man probably hasn't been here long enough, but he's likely to be a guaranteed starter for the next few years.
Dewsbury-Hall has also taken to the club and supporters extremely well, showing maturity in the way he handles himself on and off the pitch.
Everton have a big decision to make, and it remains to be seen who will be taking the armband.
