Everton boss Sean Dyche has had a sometimes rocky relationship with ex-Rangers right-back Nathan Patterson. Known for his no-nonsense style, the 53-year-old manager hasn’t held back when it comes to addressing issues with the Rangers academy graduate during their time together at Goodison Park.
Nathan Patterson, 23, joined Everton before Sean Dyche’s arrival, yet their working relationship has been far from smooth. Tensions reportedly flared between Dyche and senior players at a Portuguese training camp after an incident involving the former Rangers right-back, though Dyche downplayed it, calling it “nothing” (BBC Sport).
Amid ongoing speculation about a potential rift, Patterson’s Everton impact has been hindered by recurring injuries since his move from Rangers. Now, with rumors swirling that the Toffees could part ways with the Scotland international next summer, Dyche hints that Patterson will soon get a chance to prove both his fitness and worth at Everton.
Nathan Patterson ‘Coming Back Stronger’ at Everton as Injuries Mirror Rangers’ Woes
Few fanbases understand the frustration of injury setbacks like Rangers supporters. After watching their own squad depleted by medical issues over recent years, Everton fans are now experiencing a similar struggle, with former Rangers talent Nathan Patterson aiming to bounce back stronger despite his own injury challenges.
Nathan Patterson is just one of several key players on Everton’s injury list, alongside Tim Iroegbunam, James Garner, Seamus Coleman, Armando Broja, and Youssef Chermiti, all sidelined but aiming for a return. Speaking with the Liverpool Echo, Sean Dyche shared that the Goodison Park medical staff has a detailed plan to reintroduce these players safely, with Patterson set to “come back stronger” than ever.”
They’re not quite ready for a [behind-closed-doors friendly], so Broja and Youssef being the main two,” Dyche explained. “Seamus has the hamstring, so we need to settle that down. For the others, we have to be careful—the challenge is getting them back in without risking re-injury.”
Dyche added, “We’re trying to work through this carefully, looking at stats and facts to find the right time to get these players back on the pitch. Patterson is coming back stronger too, but the main focus is on Youssef and Broja—they’ll need game time to build up, and we’re working towards that now.”
‘Doubts’ Cast Over Former Rangers Star’s Future at Everton Amid Injury Struggles
Nathan Patterson’s Everton journey has been marred by injuries since his £12m transfer from Rangers in 2022. Despite being named in every Premier League squad since October, the right-back hasn’t played this season due to a persistent thigh issue. Now in his third season with the Toffees, Patterson has made only 48 appearances, with just 30 starts, sparking speculation among journalists about his long-term future—a development sure to catch the attention of Rangers fans.
With Rangers captain James Tavernier showing signs of decline, Nathan Patterson has hinted at “unfinished business” with the Ibrox club, where he’d likely receive a warm welcome if he returned.
Echo journalist Gavin Buckland recently cast doubt on Patterson’s future at Everton, stating, “I think it’s doubtful he has a future here. Players who become established usually have a clear career trajectory, but Patterson isn’t following that path. He’s only made 50 league starts by age 23, despite being in and around the first team for three or four years.”
Buckland added, “To me, that’s not the trajectory of someone who will become an established player, especially given his injury record. Whether Dyche even rates him is another question. I’m not saying he won’t make it, but with his career history, it’s going to be difficult.”