Conor Coady has admitted playing for Everton was the hardest season of his professional career - but has dropped a potential hint that he is sticking around.
Eyebrows were raised last summer when the Toffees signed the defender - then captain of Wolverhampton Wanderers - on a season-long loan. Frank Lampard immediately made Coady an integral part of his side, playing all but one fixture until the former manager’s sacking in January.
While he never featured at the tournament, Coady even made Gareth Southgate’s 25-man squad for the World Cup. However, a change in the dugout at Goodison Park saw his first-team opportunities limited.
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Sean Dyche benched Coady after four games - despite keeping two clean sheets in that time. The 51-year-old placed his trust in Michael Keane and James Tarkowski, reviving a partnership that worked wonders for him at Burnley.
A spell on the sidelines raised questions over Coady’s future, with it still being unclear whether he will sign permanently this summer. There is a reported £4.5million buyout clause in the Wolves defender’s contract.
However, Dyche brought Coady back in for the dramatic final-day showdown against Bournemouth. That faith was repaid, with the England international - making his first start since February 25 - helping the Toffees grind out a vital three points - and a clean sheet to boot.
After the game, Coady opened up on a tough campaign, insisting his year at Goodison was the most challenging since turning professional in 2011. But many fans have noticed that he is already looking ahead to next term, in a possible hint he is staying.
Coady posted on Instagram: “The hardest season of my life finished in the loudest atmosphere I’ve ever played in. Thank you Blues for pushing us through! Time to make sure this club is never in this position again… UTFT”
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