Leighton Baines: I always give my all to my work and hope to repay the club's support and trust with results.

Leighton Baines stated that Everton holds a special place in his career, where he spent his most successful years as a player. He feels honored and proud to return to the club as a coach and join David Moyes' team.

As one of the most iconic figures in Everton's modern history, Leyton Baines was officially inducted into the club's official Hall of Fame, the "Everton Giants," last month. He became the 37th legendary member to receive this honor, thanks to his significant contributions to the team over nearly two decades.

In 2007, David Moyes brought Leighton Baines from Wigan Athletic to Everton, a signing that later became one of the club's most important acquisitions. During his 13 seasons with the team, the former England international made 420 appearances and scored 39 goals, becoming one of the most iconic free-kick masters of his era thanks to his precise set-piece technique.

From an Everton academy player to a club legend, and now back at the club, Leyton Baines has maintained a deep connection with Everton. He expressed his pride in being inducted into the Everton Giants Hall of Fame, and said he is equally satisfied to continue working for the club.

Layton Baines said, "To be honest, I couldn't believe it when I learned I had received this honor. It's a huge honor to be one of those legendary figures who have been inducted before. I think it's very important to occasionally look back on your experiences and be grateful for everything you've achieved."

“Whether it was returning to Everton as a player or spending the most important stage of my career here, I feel very fortunate. After retiring, the club is still willing to give me the opportunity to stay here, which I am very grateful for. Therefore, I always put a high sense of responsibility into my work and hope to repay the trust the club has placed in me through my own efforts.”

“Over the years, I have been learning how to be a coach, from initially being involved in the development of young players to now having the opportunity to work alongside the first team. I cherish and am grateful for all of this.”

Since retiring at the end of the 2019/20 season, Leighton Baines quickly transitioned into coaching, serving as Everton's youth academy career development coach and U18 youth team manager. In January 2025, following the departure of Sean Dyche, he and Seamus Coleman temporarily took over the first team, leading them to victory over Peterborough United in the FA Cup match at Goodison Park.

Later that month, David Moyes returned to Everton to manage the team, while Leighton Baines joined his coaching staff, working alongside Alan Owen, Billy McKinley, and Dave Lucas.

Speaking about his current work experience, Leighton Baines said: "The past 18 months have been very positive for me. I didn't initially try to get into the first team coaching staff. My only goal at the time was to improve myself as a coach every day, but then some changes happened at the club."

"After the head coach arrived, he invited me to join the coaching staff, which was a rare opportunity for me, and I really enjoyed the experience. Both the coaching staff and the locker room have a wealth of experience. Working with the players in such a high-level environment is a particularly valuable opportunity."

Image source: Internet/Everton official website