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While the club look to keep Branthwaite, they have worked to ensure some familiar faces will return next season.

Ashley Young is one of them. Frankly, it’s been clear he was going to sign his new deal for some time, as we reported here at the ECHO. It was announced as a done deal this morning – most recently here

Here’s what Young had to say:

“I spoke to the manager before the end of the season. He asked me what I wanted to do, if I wanted to stay, and I immediately said yes because I enjoyed my time here. Kevin (Thelwell) was the same.

“The size of the club, the staff, the players and of course the fans, who were excellent… I really enjoyed my time here last season. I’ve had ups and downs, but I see how big the club is and where the club wants to go. I want to be a part of that.”

Young’s confirmation follows yesterday’s announcement that Jack Harrison will return on loan after a spell at Goodison last year. I wrote after the Sheffield United game that Everton wanted to secure their return this summer and they have moved quickly to do so – helped by the failure of their parent club Leeds United to get out of the Championship. Details here

He said:

“It’s a great honor to be part of the last season at Goodison. It’s a club with a lot of history and you see how many fans have packed the stadium for so long. I’m definitely excited. I always remember Goodison. The Park had a great atmosphere at the games .Being a part of it last year, especially moments like the win against Liverpool under the lights, the big win over Newcastle as well, it’s a pleasure to be a part of it. The last season at Goodison Park has to be a special one for everyone and we will definitely want to make the most of those games like last year and make more memories.

“We can take confidence from last season, but I think there’s a lot we can improve on as well. I know defensively we were very healthy last season, but offensively I want to be able to add more to the team and improve my numbers with goals and assists.”