IT was an unassuming response typical of the man. With many Evertonians wondering what the future holds for Lee Carsley, the player himself cannot see what the fuss is all about.
“This football club will be fine whether I decide to move on or not, it’s not a big decision,” he says. “The main thing is they have players like Joleon, Tim, Ossie, Hibbo and lots of the young lads on long term deals and they are the future.
“There are a lot of good players in this team and whether I stay or go will have no bearing on how the club does in the future.”
Carsley does himself a disservice. As one of only two players – Tony Hibbert is the other – to have remained at Goodison since David Moyes’s arrival in March 2002, the Republic of Ireland international has been integral to Everton’s success under the Scot.
This season alone, only Phil Neville and Joleon Lescott have made more outings than Carsley, his dogged midfield determination a driving force behind the lengthy runs in the League and UEFA Cups and quest for another European qualification.
But after 197 appearances and 12 goals, including a famous derby matchwinner in December 2004, Carsley could well be pulling on an Everton shirt for the final time tomorrow when Newcastle United visit Goodison.
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