No-nonsense Everton boss Sean Dyche has claimed the Premier League side will not recalling Rangers-linked Mason Holgate this January.
In a firm response to questions about the status of the 27-year-old, Dyche pulled no punches when asked about Holgate’s lack of gametime on loan at Southampton.
Making very clear that the centre-back angled for the switch at the start of the season, Sean Dyche has urged Mason Holgate to pull his socks up and deal with the challenge at St Mary’s.
As things stand, the centre-back has made only five appearances for Southampton this season and he hasn’t been seen since playing against West Brom in November.
Sean Dyche on Rangers-linked Mason Holgate
Currently managed by ex-Rangers defender Russell Martin, the Southampton boss has previously suggested the ball is in Everton’s court with regards the centre-back.
Responding specifically to the ex-Scotland star’s stance on the defender, Sean Dyche was clear that Mason Holgate has got exactly what he asked for on the South Coast.
“The player made it very clear he wanted that fresh start,” said Sean Dyche. “That sort of fresh feel, going somewhere else, fresh challenge.
“He wanted to get his teeth into it and that’s what I’m sure he will be doing. I know he hasn’t played as much as he wanted but that’s part of a professional’s life.”
When asked if Mason Holgate could make the decision over his future, Dyche responded: “No, he’s a Southampton player at the current time.”
Everton defender needs to focus at Southampton
Rangers were linked with a move for Mason Holgate back in December as the centre-back struggled for minutes at Southampton.
But it’s clear that Sean Dyche is going to make the defender stick it out after Ibrox-linked Holgate pushed to be let go on a temporary deal in the summer.
Something tells us the centre-back will regretting working his ticket in the last window – Sean Dyche is clearly not a man to be messed with.
Watching the clip, you can detect that the Everton manager is not messing around and it may serve as a warning to Rangers or any other suitors.
Once tipped for the very top by Carlo Ancelotti, the defender has lost his way in recent seasons and it appears he’s got plenty of work to do to get his career back on track.
