Darron Gibson signs new Everton contract

Everton midfielder Darron Gibson has signed a new contract at Goodison Park through to the summer of 2018.

The 28-year-old has made 68 appearances in all competitions for Everton since joining from Manchester Utd for around £250,000 in January 2012.

However, Gibson has been dogged by injury in recent seasons and has made just 27 appearances for the Toffees over the past three years.

Thirteen of those came during a difficult campaign last time out for Gibson, was also handed a 20-month driving ban in September for hitting a cyclist while drink-driving and fleeing the scene.

The news of a new contract therefore is something of a surprise, with many expecting the Derry-born midfielder to leave the club this summer once his current deal expired.

Gibson clearly has talent and excellent technique, demonstrated during his early performances when he became something of a lucky mascot, losing just two of his first 23 games in a royal blue shirt.

Unfortunately Gibson has struggled to fully regain fitness since suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury playing for Ireland in October 2013.

We can only hope this new deal, presumably approved by incoming boss Ronald Koeman, can give Gibson a fresh start and help him return to something close to his best.

Speaking to the official site about his new contract, Gibson said:

"I am absolutely delighted. I had a few options but as long as Everton were giving me the option I was never going anywhere else. People say, ‘Once Everton has touched you,’ and it is true. It is a great club, there are great people here and the dressing room is great, so I was never signing anywhere else.

"Obviously, I have had a tough few years but thankfully the Club have stuck by me and I have signed for another two years, so hopefully the next two years go a lot better.

"The fans are unbelievable and it is a great Club. Signing for Manchester United four-and-a-half years ago was a great move for me and I am delighted to commit my future here.

"The first year I came, I had a great season but obviously the rest I have been injured quite a bit. Last year I was fit but didn’t play too much, so it is nice to know the Club and the fans are still behind me.

"There have been highs and lows. I just want to put the past behind me and look forward to the next two years."

"The last game of the season was brilliant with the young lads coming in and doing very well. It is an exciting time ahead and everyone will be motivated to push on and do as well as we possibly can."