LEWIS Warrington has thanked Tranmere Rovers after signing a new two-year deal with Everton which will keep him at the Toffees until the end of June 2024.
A lifelong Evertonian, the 19-year-old impressed for his club's under 23 side during the first half of the 2021/22 season, before joining Tranmere Rovers on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
Warrington caught the eye with the League Two club, making 17 appearances and helping Micky Mellon’s side to a ninth-placed finish.
The Birkenhead-born teenager, who joined Everton Academy aged six, is now hoping to progress with his beloved Blues.
“It feels brilliant to extend my time here,” Warrington told evertontv. “I’ve supported Everton all my life and playing for my boyhood club is what I’ve dreamt of.
“To sign another deal, it’s massive for me, my family and my friends. They’re all made up for me.
“It’s been a good season for me personally. To go on loan and get that experience so early was good.
“I feel I’ve developed my game. I went to Tranmere as a sitting midfielder but the loan has transformed me into an all-round centre midfielder.
“I feel more athletic and fitter and it should help me a lot for next season.
“Every game is different in that league, so you’ve got to adapt to it.
“The Tranmere fans want you to do well, but they also demand 100-per-cent effort from you like Evertonians do. I really enjoyed the experience.
“It was a massive learning curve for me.”
On aiming to be the next Academy graduate to be given a chance by First-Team manager Frank Lampard, Warrington added: ““My next goal is to go up and train with the First Team, try to impress, and give my all in every training session.
“You wouldn’t really be a midfielder if you’ve never said you have looked up to players like Frank Lampard.
“I certainly have. I want to go in and try to impress him.
“He’s always been a role model to me, and I would like to learn from him and hopefully that will make me into an even better player.”
During his time on Wirral, Warrington played alongside former Everton Academy graduate Peter Clarke.
He expressed his gratitude to the Rovers captain for helping him settle in.
“Clarkey was massive for me while I was there,” added Warrington.
“He would put his arm round me as soon as I came through the door.
“He was always encouraging. You learn a lot off him. He’s a true professional.
“He’s an inspiration for everyone and someone who is good to look up to.”
