Everton should consider handing Phil Jagielka a coaching role

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Everton defender Phil Jagielka is out of contract at the end of the season.

The veteran centre-half is currently rated unlikely to sign an extension with the club, meaning he could be set to end his 11-year association with the club.

Jagielka joined the Toffees back in 2007 from Sheffield United in a £4 million deal, and has gone on to make over 300 league appearances alone since then.

He has been a wonderful servant for the club, and has been a relative mainstay in the Toffees’ backline since his arrival.

With Everton currently looking like they won’t negotiate fresh terms on a playing contract for Jagielka, perhaps the next best thing they could do is sign him up for a coaching role.

Jagielka is worth keeping around the place

Jagielka might not be the same player as he was a few years ago, but he still has valuable qualities to bring to any side.

The Manchester-born defender is a leader, and has been the club’s captain since 2013.

He is a wise head, and knows the club inside and out having been there so long.

He would have plenty of experience to pass on to the club’s younger players.

Arsenal have handed Per Mertesacker the job of managing the club’s academy, and Michael Carrick is part of the coaching staff at Manchester United. Everton should seek to incorporate Jagielka in a similar way.

The star has also captained his country, meaning he could be well placed to take on a role behind the scenes at the club.

Of course, it all depends on whether Jagielka feels ready to stop playing. The player is yet to hint that the current season could be his last.