Everton fans pick their next club captain after Seamus Coleman’s exit

Seamus Coleman’s departure at the end of the 2025-26 season has opened a leadership vacuum at Everton, and fans are already debating who should inherit the captain’s armband. The club has not yet announced a formal succession plan, but supporters have been sharing their preferences in comments on a recent article from local media.

Coleman, who joined Everton in 2009 and served as captain since 2019, left the club this summer after 17 years at Goodison Park. His exit means manager David Moyes must choose a player to lead the squad into the new season. The decision carries weight given Everton’s ongoing transition under new ownership and the need for stability on and off the pitch.

Por que importa

Key facts
| Candidate | Position | Age | Key point from fan discussion |
|———–|———-|—–|——————————-|
| Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall | Midfielder | 27 | Seen as a natural leader who leads by example and communicates well. |
| James Garner | Midfielder | 25 | Suggested as a younger, influential player who had a breakout 2025-26 season. |
| Jarrad Branthwaite | Defender | 23 | Compared to Kevin Ratcliffe’s early captaincy; some fans want a younger voice. |
| Jordan Pickford | Goalkeeper | 31 | Popular choice but some fans prefer an outfield player for practical reasons. |

Dewsbury-Hall emerges as a fan favourite
Several supporters singled out Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as the strongest candidate. Jerry, a fan quoted in the article, said Dewsbury-Hall “already leads by example on the pitch, he has earned the respect of his colleagues and supporters alike, and he is a good communicator.” Others echoed that sentiment, with Carl describing him as having “sheer drive, determination and leadership on the pitch.”

Contexto

Dewsbury-Hall joined Everton in a permanent move from Chelsea in the summer of 2025 after a loan spell the previous season. His experience in the Premier League and his ability to dictate play from midfield make him a plausible option for the armband.

Garner and Branthwaite offer youth and continuity
James Garner, 25, was another name frequently mentioned. Mathew said Garner is “more available” and noted that last season was a breakout campaign for the midfielder at Everton. Garner’s reliability and growing influence in the dressing room won him support. Neil proposed a shared arrangement: Garner as captain when fit, with Dewsbury-Hall stepping in when he is not.

Jarrad Branthwaite, 23, drew comparisons to Kevin Ratcliffe, who became Everton captain at a similar age in the 1980s. Ian argued that Branthwaite should be the next captain, suggesting it would be a similar move to Ratcliffe’s appointment. Branthwaite has established himself as a first-choice centre-back over the past two seasons and is seen as a long-term leader.

Tarkowski and Pickford also in the mix
James Tarkowski, 31, was endorsed by Jameson, who described him as “a top lad and still a top player” who rarely misses games. However, Ian argued that Tarkowski “shouldn’t be in the team next season, nevermind captain,” reflecting uncertainty about the defender’s role in the squad. Tarkowski’s form has dipped in recent months, and his starting place is no longer guaranteed, which Neil said makes him more suitable as club captain rather than team captain.

Jordan Pickford, the England international goalkeeper, received support from Mathew and Jameson, but both acknowledged the practical drawbacks of a goalkeeper wearing the armband. Mathew said his “heart says Jordan Pickford but my brain says one of the younger, influential players.” The challenge of a goalkeeper communicating with the referee and relaying instructions to outfield players was cited as a reason to prefer an outfield choice.

What the decision means for Everton
The next captain will play a key role in shaping the team’s identity under Moyes. With several experienced players such as Coleman and Ashley Young now gone, the club is looking to younger leaders. The appointment will also signal the direction of the squad: a young leader like Branthwaite or Garner would suggest a long-term rebuild, while Dewsbury-Hall or Tarkowski would represent a more immediate, experienced choice.

Everton have not yet set a timeline for naming the captain. Manager David Moyes will likely take pre-season friendlies and training-ground observations into account before making a decision. The club’s official announcement is expected before the start of the 2026-27 Premier League season.

Source: Yahoo Sports – “Dewsbury-Hall, Garner, Tarkowski, Branthwaite – who’s ready to be captain?” (https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dewsbury-hall-garner-tarkowski-branthwaite-085048101.html)

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