Ruben Vinagre opens up on Everton’s regret in a farewell message

Ruben Vinagre spoke of his regret that Everton supporters were not able to see the best of him in a farewell message on social media.

The full-back was signed on a season-long loan from Sporting CP last July but managed just 24 minutes of Premier League action.

Sean Dyche replaced Frank Lampard as boss in January but it did little to improve Vinagre’s game time and an Achilles injury was the writing on the wall for his time at Goodison Park.

“Thank you Evertonians! It has been a pleasure wearing this shirt for the past season!” Vinagre posted on Instagram.

“I’m sad for not having the opportunity to contribute more, but I’ve done everything I was allowed to. I wish our history would’ve been different!

“I’m really glad that we were able to maintain this big club in the Premier League because you deserve it and so much more!

“I have no doubt in my mind that Everton will go back to the place that it deserves, it’s a great club and full of history!

“Thank you all, wish you all the best.”

Defensive reinforcements needed for Dyche

Everton just about staved off relegation from the Premier League by the skin of their teeth, as a 1-0 final-day win over Bournemouth kept their heads above water.

If the Toffees are to really kick on after two seasons of struggle then reinforcements will be needed all over the pitch, with Everton struggling at the top end of the pitch.

But defensively too, Dyche is going to need to add bodies. Centre-back Yerry Mina has already confirmed he is leaving at the end of his contract and Ruben Vinagre never really looked like usurping Vitaliy Mykolenko.

Club stalwart Seamus Coleman had injury struggles towards the end of the campaign and his advancing years mean he is unlikely to be a long-term solution.

With Michael Keane’s form has come under scrutiny and a decision not taken on whether Conor Coady should be signed permanently by the Wolves, then Dyche may end up with a serious lack of defensive options.