Mackenzie Kinsella will never forget what the departing Everton legend did for him personally but says his impact on the club goes far deeper
Mackenzie Kinsella meeting Seamus Coleman at Finch Farm on December 9 2024
Mackenzie Kinsella meeting Seamus Coleman at Finch Farm on December 9 2024(Image: Everton FC official photo)
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An Everton fan who saw his dreams come true thanks to Seamus Coleman says the departing captain saved the club from relegation. The 37-year-old, a club icon who joined for just £60,000 from Sligo Rovers in one of the Premier League’s greatest value transfers, will play his final game for the Blues this afternoon in an away fixture against Tottenham.
Coleman has been an inspiration on and off the pitch after signing for the club just over 17 years ago - during David Moyes’ first stint in charge. It will be a particularly sad moment for Mackenzie Kinsella.
The schoolboy from Sydney made headlines around the world in December 2024 when he travelled all the way from Australia to watch his team play in the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park, only for the game to be cancelled by Storm Darragh.
When Coleman heard about Mackenzie’s predicament, he quickly sent him a video thanking him for his support and inviting him to the club's Finch Farm training ground the following week.
In February, when it became clear that Mackenzie wouldn’t be able to save up enough money to travel to the rearranged derby fixture, Coleman paid for his flight, which cost around £1,500.
For today's game, Mackenzie will be watching from Australia with his Scouse mum Rita. On what Coleman means to him, the 17 year-old told the ECHO: “He’s been the face of the Everton team - the one that took me to Goodison to the one now. The thought of him not being there, not in the team next year, it feels surreal because he's been an ever present for Everton.
Mackenzie Kinsella with his nan Jo Kinsella
Mackenzie Kinsella with his nan Jo Kinsella(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
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“I think it would have been a Friday night here (when I saw the announcement). I opened up my phone to have a cheeky scroll and the first thing I saw was the video from Everton. I remember him coming across the camera and I knew this wasn’t going to be good news.”
Mackenzie will never forget what Coleman did for him but says the various other stories of him helping out other fans really shows the Irishman’s true colours.
He said: “All that he did for me, from that initial video message from when the game got cancelled to paying for the flight, shows the man he is.
“Obviously I’m really grateful for that but that wasn't what made him great. It’s the principle of what he did - he would have done that for anyone.
“He seems he’s really good at building personal connections with people. In the first 10 seconds (of meeting him), I felt like I’d known him for so much longer. He was saying, you’re the guy that’s been everywhere, you’re the famous guy. I'm sure it’s like that for a lot of fans.”
Coleman paid for Mackenzie's flight to the the last Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park stadium, which ended in a 2-2 draw
Coleman paid for Mackenzie's flight to the the last Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park stadium, which ended in a 2-2 draw(Image: Liverpool Echo)
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While his influence has reduced due to injuries over recent years, Coleman’s stature on and off the pitch has grown enormously, with managers repeatedly highlighting his importance, particularly during recent years of relegation battles and behind-the-scenes turmoil.
Mackenzie says his favourite memory of Coleman came during Everton’s battle to stay in the Premier League in the 2022/23 season, in a crucial home match against fellow relegation battlers Leeds.
With the scores locked at 0-0 at the hour mark, Coleman sprinted down the right-hand side of the pitch to keep a long ball from Alex Iwobi in play and crossed the ball into the box. But Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier had stepped off his line and the ball unexpectedly flew past him and straight into the net.
The 1-0 victory lifted Everton up to 16th place, with Leeds dropping to 19th. The Toffees stayed up that season by two points, ahead of Leicester, Leeds and Southampton.
Seamus Coleman of Everton scoring the winning goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Leeds United at Goodison Park on February 18, 2023
Seamus Coleman of Everton scoring the winning goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Leeds United at Goodison Park on February 18, 2023(Image: Getty Images)
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Mackenzie said: “It was the start of the Sean Dyce era and we were fighting relegation. It was a massive struggle to get anything from that.
“It was his individual moment of brilliance - he capitalised on a mistake from the keeper and turned that game on its head. He turned up when it mattered. He didn't shy away. If anything he came out harder.”
When asked if Everton would have got relegated from the top flight for the first time since 1951 without Coleman’s leadership, Mackenzie replied: “A lot of people say that and I have no choice but to agree.
“He was ever present in the dressing room. He acted as a bit of a spokesperson. He voices what it means to be Everton. If we hadn’t had that, the fans would have been more disconnected with the club. I think he’s massively bridged that gap.”
Coleman has said that he will take a holiday before deciding on his next move after it was announced that his time as an Everton player was coming to an end. Mackenzie would like to see him stay at the club in a coaching role but adds that he’s earned the right to do what’s best for him.
Mackenzie said: "I'm confident he’ll be involved in some capacity. I’d like to see him involved in the coaching staff. Moyes has done an impeccable job. Even if an ounce of that was to rub off, I’d love to see that.
“It’s bittersweet. I'm dreading seeing the game as I know it's going to be the last time he plays. But I know he’s given 110% and he’s done what’s best for him and put his needs first.”