Seamus Coleman was speaking following Everton's 2-0 win over Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup
Seamus Coleman and David Moyes before Everton's Carabao Cup tie against Mansfield Town
Seamus Coleman and David Moyes before Everton's Carabao Cup tie against Mansfield Town
(Image: (Alex Livesey/Getty Images))
Seamus Coleman has had his fair share of setbacks in the last couple of years. Coleman has become part of Everton’s fabric since his arrival in 2009, but was restricted to just five appearances in the Premier League last season due to injury.
Even a farewell to Goodison Park did not go to plan for the full-back, with him being replaced by Ashley Young inside the opening 20 minutes of the game against Southampton. But a lack of minutes on the pitch has not stopped the Republic of Ireland international from having a big impact off it.
Coleman has been instrumental in ensuring the club remained in the top flight in recent years and on Wednesday night he led his side out for the first time at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The game against Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup came a couple of days after the Blues beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 in their first competitive match at their new home.
And reflecting on the last couple of days, Coleman said: “A very proud night. Even though I didn't play a part on the pitch against Brighton, it was a very proud day.
“You have obviously seen it and been aware of it, but there's been a lot of uncertainty over the last two or three years to get to this point and bring a Premier League game here was so important.
“At times it looked like maybe it wouldn't be the case, so I'm very proud of all the lads that have played a massive part in making sure we got to this lovely new stadium as a Premier League club.
“The manager made sure that we were set up to win and a great day for all the fans. Tonight, from my personal point of view, it was great to step out as captain at this amazing stadium. I'm very honoured and very proud.”
Wednesday night also saw the Everton skipper complete his first full 90 minutes since August last year, and he admitted that during his latest round of rehab, he had to put himself first and listen to the advice he was being given.
“It's been a tough year, really, to be honest,” he said. “I was in plenty of squads, but in and out, which was frustrating.
“Maybe I took a step back myself and maybe put myself first a little bit in the last rehab and stopped kind of maybe rushing things when maybe I shouldn't, you know, actually listen to the physios for a change.
“I feel good; I got through 90 minutes today. I'm not getting any younger, but I felt good and you know, thanked the physios for helping me get back to that point.
“Hopefully the lads keep doing what they're doing on the pitch and my main goal is to stay available and help the team when I can and if needed.
“You just want to play, you're hungry to play. There was times where we were needed and we needed to help. But it's just in your makeup as well.
“It got to the point where I needed to probably think of myself. As I said, the physios were great with me, I didn't push them this time.
“I waited, I was patient, and listened to the plans. It was frustrating at times because I wanted to be back quicker, but listened and I'm thankfully I've had a good few weeks training and felt good out there tonight.”
David Moyes named a strong team for the Blues’ 2-0 victory over The Stags, and Coleman believes the club’s supporters deserve a proper cup run.
“They can be tricky games and they are good footballing, to give them respect as well. We've seen some clips on them but they can be tricky games,” he said.
“I thought the result was the most important thing and a few lads got a rest, which is good, but I think the manager set the tone as well by not just changing the team completely.
“He showed he wants to go on a cup run as well, and great for Harrison (Armstrong) as well, to play such a big part in the goals.
“Do you know what, they deserve it (a cup run), I'm not saying that to get them onside. I've no need to try and get the Evertonians on side. But they absolutely deserve it.
“They're crying out for a trip to Wembley and let's see what happens down there. Thankfully we've got a manager as well who's not just happy to stay up or happy to win a game.
“He's pushing us and it's the way he's speaking to us. The way he speaks and what he says is just constantly getting in the lad's minds that this is a big football club and he's not coming [back] here to finish 17th.
“You can see that by the quality of players who were signing as well. So hopefully better times ahead and hopefully a cup run - but again, you've got to earn the right every time you play.”