Everton

Everton boss David Moyes has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium (15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Moyes confirmed Idrissa Gueye and Jarrad Branthwaite will not be fit for the visit of the Black Cats. On Gueye, he explained: "He's back on the grass, but he's just not available for this game. There's an outside chance he could make Tottenham, so we'll see how it goes."

• On whether club captain Seamus Coleman will feature in what would be his final home game for the club after announcing he is ending his Blues playing career after 17 years at the end of the season: "Seamus wouldn't want me to say that because he wouldn't want me to think that way. He would only think it should be done if it's right and that's the way I see it as well."

• Moyes paid tribute to Coleman, who he signed for just £60,000 in January 2009 during his first spell as Toffees boss: "I get the praise for it but I have to praise the recruitment team who spotted him at the time and got him over from Ireland. At the club for 17 years, and I've missed quite a part of it, but more recently he's been the glue that's held an awful lot together. When it's difficult, he's the one who comes out and speaks and steps up to galvanise the team. He deserves a lot of credit as a human being for what he's done for Everton."

• More on what could be next for Coleman: "What I admire about Seamus is he wants to keep playing and playing for his country. There will always be a desk for him when the time comes, don't worry about that. There should always be a place for Seamus and there will be. It would be great for the young players as well. We want to keep Seamus' culture and Everton's culture behind the scenes going."

• Moyes said Gueye's future will be discussed soon, with the midfielder out of contract at the end of the season: "Losing Seamus is a big blow. We'll talk about Gana in the coming weeks. We're on with a lot of business behind the scenes. We don't need to talk about it in the media until it's done."

• On the Toffees' European chances: "We know if we win the next two games then we're in with a chance. If you'd said to me at the start of the season that, with two games to go, we'd be in with a chance of Europe I'd have shaken your hand and taken that. Things haven't gone well for us in a couple of games - not just because of decisions but quite often[that]. We've just not had the rub of the green, but the players have done great."

• Reflecting on the move to Hill Dickinson Stadium before the final home game of the club's first season at their new ground, Moyes said: "It's gone probably as well as we'd expect. Since we've been in there we've enjoyed it. There's still teething problems which supporters might tell you about outside the stadium and getting to the ground, but overall I think inside we've quite enjoyed it."

Hear more from Moyes on BBC Sounds

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Everton? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Image source, Getty Images

Seamus Coleman's iconic status at Everton is celebrated in song as a tribute to his quality and longevity as well as manager David Moyes' expertise in the transfer market.

"Sixty Grand, Sixty Grand Seamus Coleman" is the chant in honour of the 37-year-old, who joined Everton for that bargain price from Irish side Sligo Rovers in 2009.

As he announces his retirement 17 years and 433 appearances later, Coleman leaves representing one of the outstanding contributors and best signings in Everton history.

In his first spell at Everton, Moyes had the Midas Touch when it came to spotting gems outside the big price transfer bracket, signing Tim Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott for a combined total of £11m.

Mikel Arteta cost only £2m when he signed from Real Sociedad in 2005 – but Coleman ranks alongside any other those when measured by value for money.

After a loan spell at in the Championship at Blackpool in his early days, Moyes thrust Coleman into Everton's first team, where he looked at home from day one as an adventurous attacking full-back and sturdy defender.

Coleman's attitude, fiery and competitive and with natural leadership qualities, has also been a touchstone over his years at the club.

And Coleman's selfless approach on and off the field even drew praise from Everton's greatest rivals Liverpool, as partisanship was set to one side to acknowledge his standing within the game.

Coleman was handed a public tribute from then Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp after he suffered a double leg break after a tackle by Wales' Neil Taylor when playing for the Republic Of Ireland in March 2017.

Klopp wrote in his programme notes before a Merseyside derby shortly afterwards: "I would like to pass on my regards and best wishes to Seamus Coleman, who due to very unfortunate circumstances is not available to play today.

"I do not know him personally, but as a football supporter I love his character, his positive approach to the game and his commitment to his club.

"There is a lot to admire about this player and it is his personal qualities that will help him as he recovers from this setback and returns to the game."

A year later, Klopp praised Coleman for making a 5,000 Euro donation to a fund-raising appeal for Liverpool fan Sean Cox, who was badly injured when he was attacked before a Champions League semi-final against Roma at Anfield.

Klopp wrote: "I'd like to start these notes by thanking Seamus Coleman for the solidarity he has shown in supporting Sean Cox as he continues his long road to recovery from the injury he so tragically sustained while visiting Liverpool from Ireland to support our club in a football match.

"I know Seamus embodies the Everton spirit of wanting to beat LFC on the pitch as much as any player they have, but his actions in looking to help the Cox family demonstrates what the best qualities of this rivalry are."

It is at Everton, of course, where Coleman will never be forgotten for his efforts on and off the pitch, taking interim charge as manager alongside long-time team-mate Leighton Baines for an FA Cup tie against Peterborough in early 2025 after Sean Dyche had been sacked.

He was made club captain in 2019, leading Everton out 140 times.

Coleman may yet be back at Everton - the offer of a coaching position is on the table -but even if he decides not to return, he will be remembered as one of the club's greatest servants and deserves the emotional farewell he is sure to receive when they face Sunderland in their final home game of the season on Sunday.

Three more video assistant referee errors have been confirmed by the Premier League's Key Match Incidents panel, taking the total this season to 23.

The panel has recorded three errors involving penalties, two of which should have been awarded for holding offences.

Everton, the only team not to get a VAR intervention in their favour this season, were wrongly denied a spot-kick against Manchester City.

David Moyes' side led 3-2 at Goodison Park when, on a corner, Bernardo Silva held back Toffees midfielder Merlin Rohl - unseen by referee Michael Oliver.

The VAR Paul Howard decided the holding had taken place before the corner was taken, so he could not intervene to award a penalty.

"If that doesn't get given as a penalty, then it's an absolute free-for-all from now on," Moyes said after the game.

All five members of the KMI panel agreed with Moyes, saying "there is a clear, sustained holding offence which continues as the corner is taken and the ball comes into play".

City equalised deep into stoppage time through Jeremy Doku to snatch a 3-3 draw.

• Read more on the KMI Panel findings

Image source, Getty Images

Everton captain Seamus Coleman has announced his playing career at the club will come to an end upon the expiration of his contract next month.

Coleman, who joined the Toffees from Sligo Rovers in January 2009 for just £60,000, holds the club record for most Premier League appearances with 372 and has captained the side on 140 occasions.

"After more than 17 years at this great football club, I've decided this season will be my last as a player here," Coleman said.

"I want to thank the fans for their unbelievable support. You've helped me in more ways than you could imagine. I've always tried my best to put Everton Football Club first and you all mean the world to me.

"I live in the city – I see you all daily – and I've taken your love of the football club back into the dressing room to explain to the lads how much Everton means to the people."

While the chapter is closed on his playing career with the club, there is an option for Coleman to remain in a coaching capacity if he wishes or to continue his playing career with another club and the Republic of Ireland.

He explained: "Obviously, after such a big decision, I want to have some time over the summer to focus on what's next for me and my family. My love for Everton is something you all know about – and I've got a huge love for Ireland as well.

"The club have been unbelievable with me. They've offered me an opportunity to stay on at the football club.

"This will always be my club. Thank you for letting me be part of it for more than 17 years."

So Everton fans, how do you feel about the news that Coleman's time as a player at the club is done? What are your best memories of the captain?

Get in touch with your views here

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

"Sixty grand, sixty grand Seamus Coleman, playing football the Everton way."

It's a song that has echoed around the terraces at Goodison Park - and later Hill Dickinson Stadium - for 17 years.

After 433 matches in blue, Seamus Coleman's famous £60,000 transfer fee from Sligo Rovers works out at about £140 a game.

The Republic of Ireland full-back's long Toffees career will soon come to a close after he confirmed he will leave when his contract expires this summer.

It's one of the biggest bargains in Premier League history, but it wasn't always a straightforward success story.

Coleman moved to Everton in January 2009 and made his debut nine months later against Benfica in the Europa League, taking on the likes of Angel di Maria, Javier Saviola and Oscar Cardozo.

It was a baptism of fire in a 5-0 defeat, but the player Everton fans would come to love was on show again a few days later.

The teenager was introduced as a sub for his Premier League debut against Tottenham as Everton rescued a 2-2 draw.

After notching up his first assist, Coleman was named man of the match.

"I was sitting there thinking, 'three years ago that young lad was playing for me', and now I was watching him changing the game on 'Super Sunday' on the TV," said Brian Dorrian, who coached a young Coleman and remained close with him throughout his career.

"Back then, if you were to tell me where he is now - I would have said no, and that's with no disrespect to him. He'd tell you that himself, but it's brilliant for him and a great story."

• Read the full article on Coleman's career

Everton, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth have approached FC Midtjylland in pursuit of 22-year-old Chile midfielder Dario Osorio. (Give Me Sport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Premier League referees' chief Howard Webb has admitted that Everton should have been awarded a penalty in the 2-1 defeat at West Ham last month.

David Moyes' side trailed 1-0 in the 84th minute when Hammers midfielder Mateus Fernandes touched the ball with his hand during a tussle with Thierno Barry.

"He punched the ball," Moyes said after the game. "It would have been harsh, but I'm amazed they haven't given it."

The video assistant referee, Michael Salisbury, chose not to intervene as Fernandes "accidentally handled the ball while grappling with an opponent".

But Webb has said that the VAR made a mistake and should have advised a spot kick.

"From the outset, I want to say we think a penalty should've been awarded here against Fernandes," Webb said on Match Officials Mic'd Up.

"However, I don't think he really meant to deliberately handle the ball.

"He doesn't make himself unnaturally bigger here. He moves his arm forward. I think he's probably trying to prevent the attacker from turning him. But in doing that, he kind of bats the ball away.

"He can't even see the ball, but Fernandes knows more or less where the ball is, and it's a deliberate action with his arm, probably not to handle the ball, but to do something.

"And therefore, I think we've given Fernandes way too much benefit of the doubt here.

"In this situation, a penalty would've been the right outcome."

Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann has outlined his idea to improve how corners are officiated in future.

In the aftermath of weekend controversy over players grappling in the penalty area, he has told BBC Sport a rule whereby attacking players cannot enter the six-yard box until a corner has been taken would be his preference.

Ex-Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha backed the idea and thinks it will add "creativity" to corner kicks and the move would force "people to think in a different way".

You can watch a clip of the debate above, with Onuoha stating: "Twenty players standing in the six-yard box, you have to ask yourself, is that what you want to see? And is that the best version of the game?"

• Listen to the show in full on BBC Sounds

• Watch the show in full on iPlayer

Ben White could turn down a move to Everton this summer if the England defender, 28, receives assurances about his playing time at Arsenal. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Giulia Bould
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Two games left and, while Everton aren't in pole position for Europe, there is still a chance they can qualify. Some might see a mid-table finish as a disappointment this time, but that maybe shows how much David Moyes has raised the aspirations in a relatively short space of time.

Before Moyes returned, Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines visited him at home to push him to take the manager's job. He told me they were ultimately why he agreed to come back after Coleman said: "You'd be able to fix it."

The Blues were a point off the relegation zone when he arrived in the middle of January 2025 and he closed the season 23 points clear of trouble. Before last month's Merseyside derby, Moyes was happy to talk up Everton's European chances, but the late defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium left him feeling frustrated. The game against Liverpool also started a three-game run when Everton conceded in additional time and they dropped vital points.

So would a scenario of Everton not getting into Europe this time raise questions over the job Moyes is doing? It would be very unlikely. I understand there is no pressure from inside the club on the manager and there's a feeling he is absolutely the right man for the job.

The Toffees aren't out the running for Europe and Moyes has managed to keep the chase on despite losing star defender Jarrad Branthwaite for the majority of the season. Had he been fit for the final run of fixtures, you have to wonder if those late goals conceded would have happened.

Moyes has also navigated the season without Jack Grealish since mid-January. The Manchester City midfielder had six assists up to his foot injury, the same number as Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Leandro Trossard of Arsenal have today.

Senegal going all the way at Afcon meant there was no Idrissa Gueye and Iliman N'Diaye for six Premier League games too.

Plus, the Everton strikers took their time to find their form up front. Beto had just one goal by the end of 2025. Thierno Barry had clocked up two after taking 17 games to find the net. Beto has since found his rhythm, though, in the push for Europe, scoring five in his past five games.

Moyes has stopped the negativity around Everton and, by his own admission, the constant headlines around the club made recruitment difficult last summer.

This next transfer window, the aim will be to build a squad capable of European qualification next season. If they sneak in this time, that task becomes a little easier as the Toffees will be a much bigger draw.

Listen to Total Sport Merseyside from 18:00 on weeknights and find details here of live Everton match commentaries on BBC Radio Merseyside

Explore Everton content on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on whether Everton should stick or twist with manager David Moyes next season after our fan writer Briony Bragg raised the prospect of the club's owners deciding to "roll the dice" with a change.

You can read Briony's blog below but here are some of your comments:

Will: Moyes may not be perfect but he's perfect for Everton now. Leave well enough alone.

Mick: I find it hard to believe that having turned around a team which has been in the relegation dogfight for so many years, there should be any talk of getting rid of Moyes. Finishing in the middle of the table and just missing out on Europe is a great achievement and the team is in much better shape than it was when Moyes arrived. Some people seem to have very short memories!

Sha: Definitely stick. Changing a relatively successful manager hasn't done any other team any good, he has made a huge difference. Give him another season for sure.

Terry: West Ham didn't stick, and look where they are.

Les: David Moyes deserves more respect than what he is given; to even suggest we should change our manager is disrespectful to him. He is not responsible for players missing chances to score and that trait is putting the defence under pressure. Time and time again we have a one-on-one with the goalkeeper but don't score.

Andy: I do feel Moyes has brought stability to the club but do feel we need a manager like Andoni Iraola or Oliver Glasner to take us to the next level like qualifying Europe. I am aware that The Friedkin Group can be ruthless with managerial changes and only have to look at Roma who had four managers within a year.

Tony: We will only ever be nearly-men under Moyes, we will always flatter to deceive. I do not believe that we will actually ever win anything under him. We may have the odd home win against the so-called bigger "Sky" teams, but we will never win away to any of these same teams. We say careful what you wish for, but I would take a gamble on a more progressive manager who would be prepared to promote youth and actually challenge the monopoly. Right now I would love Iraola and prefer Glasner for next season as they both have Premier League experience, but I am convinced that Moyes will still be at the helm next season, which is a missed opportunity and will not reflect well on The Friedkin Group.

Harry: Why would you keep him in charge? He won nothing in 11 years in charge at Goodison Park, made sure we got no compensation from Manchester United when he did his deal with Alex Ferguson, plays boring, safe football and we are not much better off this season to last. We have a new stadium and new owners. Move on.

Briony Bragg
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

If there's ever a gift an Evertonian doesn't need, it's a crystal ball. As soon as their team takes the lead, they watch Everton drop deeper and deeper before eventually conceding - and everyone sees it coming.

No-one expected Everton to be two goals in front against Manchester City last Monday. However, failing to reset after their third goal and allowing Erling Haaland to respond instantly proved to be the killer blow - something James Tarkowski himself took responsibility for.

And although he got himself on the scoresheet against Crystal Palace, lo and behold, the centre-half partnership of Tarkowski and Michael Keane once again found themselves at fault defensively.

Realistically, Everton's European ambitions were over the moment Jarrad Branthwaite suffered his serious injury in the Merseyside derby.

In truth, it's probably for the best that the talk of Europe has now been put to bed. With the defensive frailties this squad possesses, Everton simply do not have the depth required to cope with the demands of both midweek and weekend football.

To lead twice in a must-win game and still fail to take all three points perfectly demonstrates that.

Everton are exactly where most expected them to be: mid-table. David Moyes has at least restored a sense of stability. The big question for the owners now is whether to stick or twist with his current deal nearing its end.

Had Everton secured European football, Moyes would undoubtedly have earned a new contract. But with a World Cup on the horizon and potentially half the Premier League searching for a new manager, the market could become chaotic very quickly.

The Friedkins may decide that, given the level of investment made, now is the time to roll the dice.

What's your view on Moyes' future at Everton? Should the club stick or twist?

Get in touch with your comments here

Three Premier League clubs - Everton, Liverpool, and Newcastle - are targeting 29-year-old England forward Jarrod Bowen, even if West Ham avoid relegation. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Everton.

Here are some of your comments:

Crystal Palace fans

Rich: Gifted Everton the lead on two occasions but managed to level both times. We looked a little jaded at times after Thursday's heroics but as the game progressed we looked the stronger, fitter team. Again, missed chances have cost us the three points our performance deserved but happy nonetheless.

Steve: After the euphoria of Thursday night, it seemed predictable Palace would concede early. After fighting back so well, going behind again straight after half-term was hugely disappointing. The constant failure to defend corners and a surprising vulnerability to the long ball down the middle kept everyone on edge. But the side's character shone through yet again to salvage a point.

Oliver: Good performance from Palace especially that last 20 minutes when you would expect us to be tired from Thursday. Building more momentum for the final.

Jason: Great second-half performance for Palace. Was impressed by the mentality to keep coming back.

Everton fans

Tim: Everton had plenty of chances to put this game away but couldn't convert. Once again, defending mistakes and the inability to close down attacks cost them points. Fourth game in a row Everton give up points from a winning position.

Thomas: Just pathetic really. How many times this season have we thrown away the chance to make a genuine stride towards Europe? It's a pattern.

Ian: Evertonians need to stay positive, Europe this year a step too far but let's rebuild in the close season and come back stronger next season.

Mark: Same as usual lately just not got enough to push through for Europe. Would need a massive revamp, not ready yet.

Everton have been in talks with John Stones over the England defender, 31, returning to the club when he leaves Manchester City this summer. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Pundits Shay Given and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• West Ham 0-1 Arsenal

• Burnley 2-2 Aston Villa

• Nottingham Forest 1-1 Newcastle

• Crystal Palace 2-2 Everton

Image source, Getty Images

Match of the Day pundit Danny Muprhy on Everton's fading European hopes: "Ideally for their fans and to reward themselves for a good season, they'd want to give themselves a chance of Europe, but overall it has still been a really good season.

"Their fans were clapping them at the end there because they are enjoying what they are seeing - they have got a nice balance now, they are not just hanging on in games, they are not defensive - they go after teams as well as well as the times when they sit in.

"They have got a nice balance in their side and with a bit of investment in the summer, they could kick on, but in isolation today they will be disappointed because of the goals they conceded were not great.

"When you look at all the chances they created too, then when you create that many chances away from home and don't win, you always feel disappointed.

"And that I suppose is a positive in many ways, because if you are going anywhere in the Premier League, travelling away from home and making chances like that, then you are doing something right.

"There is a lot to like about Everton at the moment, even if their recent results have not been great."

Chris McKenna
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Everton suffered late heartbreak on Monday night when Manchester City's Jeremy Doku scored a stoppage-time equaliser in a dramatic 3-3 draw.

This was another two points dropped in their pursuit of a European place given they had taken the lead twice at Selhurst Park.

If they had held on in both games they would be eighth, level on points with Brighton in seventh and just two points off sixth-placed Bournemouth, who are in a position which could lead to Champions League football.

It has still been a massively improved season for them under manager David Moyes, but it could still end up as a missed opportunity.

Everton are without a win in five Premier League games now, yet they still have a chance of qualifying for a European competition. However, they will need to remember how to see out a win in their final two matches against Sunderland and Tottenham.