Coleman hints at future in management after Everton's FA Cup victory

Everton legend Seamus Coleman has expressed interest in stepping into coaching or management in the future, following his pivotal role in guiding this team to an FA Cup triumph at the start of the month. 

The club captain, alongside Blues coach Leighton Baines, oversaw the victory against Peterborough United just hours after Sean Dyche’s dismissal as Everton manager.  

The 36-year-old, who has already obtained his coaching badges, found the experience highly rewarding. 

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When asked if the experience could steer him towards a managerial career after his playing days, Coleman admitted: “It did, yeah, even just spending that little bit of time with Leighton is probably the first time I’ve properly planned for a match, albeit it was a very short period of time. 

“But, yes, being on that side, seeing and feeling how it works and being on the sideline and seeing your team was good, and enjoyable. In the future it’s definitely something I think I will have a crack at.” 

Coleman appeared composed in the dugout alongside Baines, a former teammate and previously the U-18s coach, who has since been promoted to the backroom team under new Everton boss David Moyes.  

The duo alternated between taking up positions on the touchline, with Coleman actively issuing instructions throughout the third-round win, secured by goals from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye. 

The pair were called upon to manage the first team earlier that same day after Dyche’s departure was announced less than four hours before kick-off.  

Reflecting on the whirlwind events, Baines spoke of travelling from Finch Farm to the first-team hotel to coordinate the matchday squad. 

Sharing his thoughts on the unique day with the club, Coleman said: “It was a crazy few hours, for sure. I was due to be on the bench as a player on the night, then, obviously, it all changed very quickly. The main point in it all was, at that point in time, Everton needed me and wanted me to stand with Leighton – of course I’m going to say yes. 

“I was more than happy to do it. Over the past six years I’ve done my coaching badges and, obviously, Leighton has been with the U-18s. I think we used a mixture of both what he’s been doing tactically and me being myself with the group, trying to make the lads understand the importance of it all and what’s in store for the football club.”