Seamus Coleman: New Everton stadium deserves 'big European nights'

Everton captain Seamus Coleman is hopeful the club can challenge for European qualification again in the coming years.

The veteran defender agreed a one-year contract extension earlier this summer as he prepares for an incredible 16th successive Premier League season at Goodison Park.

Coleman has entered into Everton folklore during his time on Merseyside with the Republic of Ireland international setting a new club record of 364 Premier League appearances.

Despite preparing to turn 36 in October, Coleman's gritty leadership remains a key part of Sean Dyche's plans, and he if stays injury free, he remains first choice at right-back.

However, despite the consistency of Coleman, Evertonians are preparing for a major change in the next 12 months, as they gear up to leave Goodison Park for a new home ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

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The site at Bramley Moore dock on the banks of the River Mersey is close to completion and Everton are in the final stages of making the move.

Coleman knows he won't be around for too much longer but he is confident the fresh start can trigger a return of brighter days for the fan base.

"I'm getting bit older but I want to feel I’ve played a part in weathering the storm and Everton kicking on to the new stadium and being a giant of the club again", he stated as part of an interview in Everton's preseason camp in Ireland.

"I was lucky enough to play in some European nights under Roberto [Martinez]. We went to Kiev and lost a game we probably should not have.

"You don't realise how lucky you have it until it is gone and you are watching the West Hams in Europe and thinking: 'Oh, that was us. Were we taking that for granted?' Yeah, we probably did.

"We need to make sure we get those times back - and I fully believe we will - we've all had a tough time as Evertonians, but we have to believe the future's bright."

Coleman's prediction would require a major surge from Everton's recent relegation battles under Dyche, with their last European qualification coming in 2017, and they have not finished inside the top half of the Premier League since 2021.