James Tarkowski has been confirmed as Everton's new club captain, succeeding Seamus Coleman, who departed the club this summer after 17-and-a-half years.
Coleman, who made a club-record 374 Premier League appearances and 435 in all competitions, had been skipper since Phil Jagielka's departure in 2019. However, the Republic of Ireland international's reduced game time in recent seasons meant Tarkowski had led the team out on 105 occasions over the past three campaigns.
Captain's programme notes
The appointment of the 33-year-old, who has made 159 appearances for Everton and scored six goals, was confirmed with the publication of his programme notes for Saturday's opening Premier League fixture at home to Crystal Palace.
In his notes, Tarkowski wrote: "Good afternoon and welcome to Hill Dickinson Stadium for our first Premier League match of the new season against Crystal Palace. These are also my first notes as captain and I have to start by expressing what an honour it is to lead this team."
He added: "To play for a massive club like Everton is special enough but to follow in the footsteps of some legendary names as captain means a huge amount to my family and me and it is truly one of the proudest moments of my career."
Following Coleman's standards
Tarkowski also paid tribute to his predecessor, writing: "I've had the fortune of being led at Everton by an outstanding captain in Seamus Coleman. So many people in football rightly acknowledge what an inspirational leader he is and, while I'm fully aware of the big task it is to follow on from him, I know it's important to continue the high standards Seamus set day in and day out, and ensure everyone appreciates what it means to represent Everton."
He welcomed new signings, saying: "That includes new signings and, as well as welcoming back Merlin and Tyrique this summer, we were pleased for our squad to be strengthened by the arrivals of Hayden, Christian and Brennan. All of them have settled in well and we are looking forward to everyone throughout the squad having a part to play as we look to kick on this season."
Optimism for the season ahead
Reflecting on last season, Tarkowski noted: "I feel we definitely made progress last term. It was an important first campaign here at our magnificent stadium, with new ownership and a lot of new faces, and I think the whole feeling around the club changed over the season. It was a big disappointment to finish 2025/26 as we did and miss out on Europe – but there was so much good work for us to build on this time around."
He added: "Like everyone connected with Everton, I want this club to be right up there battling with the best. It's where we should be. We've been through some tough moments during my time here but there's a totally different feeling around the place these days and we have every reason to be optimistic about the direction we are heading in."
On the opening fixture, he said: "We know today won't be an easy start for us. Crystal Palace have enjoyed some fantastic achievements over the past few seasons, winning the FA Cup and UEFA Conference League in that time, and they possess some talented players in their squad. That includes a familiar face for us in Dwight who moved to Selhurst Park in the summer. Dwight is a close friend of mine, having been a teammate at both Burnley and Everton, and we all wish him all the best at Palace – after today!"
Tarkowski concluded: "We're looking forward to having Evertonians behind us again this afternoon. It's been said many times – and for good reason – but our fans are up there with the best in football. With you behind us, the quality we have throughout the squad, a manager who knows all there is to know about Everton, and playing at this superb stadium, we can have genuine confidence for the season ahead. Let's hope that gets going today with three points. Up The Toffees."
