Sean Dyche shares what Everton player who could have walked away told him this summer

Ashley Young convinced Sean Dyche that he still had the “edge” to play a part this season before signing his new contract at Everton.

Dyche revealed talks with Young in the early weeks of the off-season about his future at Goodison Park, after which the full-back penned a new contract to stay on Merseyside.

Young has helped to turn the Toffees’ form around after a dismal start to the new season, which included a red card against Brighton on the opening day.

In quotes reported by the Daily Mirror (24 October), Dyche said: “I spoke to him in the summer – he could have easily walked away, and he’s not short of wealth and all that sort of stuff. 

“But he said, ‘no, no, I feel like I’ve still got that edge. I still want to play’ – I said, ‘yeah, OK’.

“We spoke about him staying and he stayed – and there he is again, filling holes, playing different positions, and certainly in the last few games, done very well.”

Ashley Young embodies Sean Dyche attitude at Everton

The vast majority of Premier League clubs, and particularly managers, would turn their noses up at signing a full-back approaching the age of 40, but Dyche saw how much Young had to offer.

Young has been thrown in at the deep end this season following a spate of injuries in the right-back department at Goodison, with Nathan Patterson, Seamus Coleman and James Garner all out of action.

Making 34 appearances in his first season on Merseyside, Young has already racked up eight in this campaign, including six Premier League starts as the Blues picked themselves up off the canvas.

The 39-year-old’s second season at Goodison looked over almost before it had started in the wake of his opening-day dismissal against Brighton, but his revival has been vital for Everton’s recovery.

Dan Friedkin’s impending takeover could see a broom swept through both the playing and managerial staff on Merseyside, but for the time being, Young’s place in the team is his to lose.

In other Everton news, Dan Friedkin has been heavily involved in a brand-new £148million stadium redevelopment project.

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