Seamus Coleman said his goodbyes to Everton at Finch Farm on Friday
Seamus Coleman said his goodbyes at Finch Farm (Credit: Everton YouTube)
Seamus Coleman said his goodbyes at Finch Farm (Credit: Everton YouTube)
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Seamus Coleman struggled to hold back the tears as he was given a touching send-off at Finch Farm.
The club captain was given a guard of honour by the entire staff at the training ground as he prepared for his final match with Everton, 17-and-a-half years after becoming a blue. His family, including two of his children, were present as David Moyes and James Tarkowski led the tributes to an icon who steered the club through the most challenging period of its modern history.
While Coleman is set to explore what comes next, leaving the door open to continuing his playing career elsewhere, Moyes again made clear there was a role at Everton should he want it.
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The Blues boss has regularly stressed Coleman’s value extends far beyond what he has been able to do on the pitch. The 37-year-old joined him in the stands at Fulham earlier this year as part of efforts to broaden his off-the-pitch experience and Moyes has joked he would hire the Republic of Ireland international as a groundsman if that was the only way he could call on his judgement.
After walking out to a sea of familiar faces and applause, Coleman was met by Moyes and his teammates. In footage released by the club, the manager who signed him from Sligo Rovers back in January 2009 told him “Everybody thinks the world of you. You've been a great captain, you've been a great player and probably more importantly, a greater human being.
“We hope you're not away for long Seamus, we really don't. We hope you're always going to be involved in this football club and I think everybody here is showing their appreciation for you and recognising how good you've been for us.”
James Tarkowski, Coleman’s deputy, heaped on further praise, adding: “I'm incredibly proud to have you as a friend, you have been an incredible role model as a captain, you showed me how to be a father, how to be a good husband, everything, so I'm proud to know you, proud to be your friend, and I'm going to miss you.”
Clearly emotional, Coleman had to hold back the tears as he addressed those gathered as he prepared to bow out with Everton’s final game of the season at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. His appearance from the bench against Sunderland on Sunday took him to 434 for the club, the tenth highest of all time.
He said: “Family is always the one, family is the reason I do everything, it should always be the reason behind a lot of things that you do yourself. I'm very proud, very honoured to have played forever at Everton Football Club.
“It's been my life, it's been a family's life. I’m very lucky, I'm thankful to you all. I wish everyone success. So long as everyone keeps understanding and knowing what people expect, what Everton Football Club's about, and give it your all, then you've got a right chance.
“For you academy lads as well, I was a million miles off being a first team player when I came over here at 20 years of age and it probably wasn't talent, it probably wasn't ability that got me through it, it was how I behaved around the place, how I respected my coaches, how I worked so hard in every single training session.
“It didn't matter if it was the manager or the coach or the physio, it didn’t matter who told me not to do it. I was going to do it regardless, I was going to give it my all. So never miss a day off lads. Give it your all every single day, whatever is going for you. And for the senior lads, just keep going. I've been so lucky to be part of your lives. I've enjoyed getting to know you all on a personal level, getting to know about your families, getting to know what motivates you and what doesn't.
“For all the staff around the building, please believe me when I say all us lads here 100% really appreciate everything that you have done, whether you're here a month or 10 years, we really appreciate your support. We wouldn't be here without you guys and to all the fans as well, thank you for everything and hopefully we can finish with a win and you can see the back of me very quickly. This means a lot to me, having my family here, my wife, my kids. Thanks very much. It means a lot. I'm very thankful for today.”