Coleman revels in 'very special night'

Thursday, 1 February, 2018 65comments  |  Jump to most recent

Seamus Coleman has been reflecting on what was a personal moment of triumph after making a long-awaited return to Premier League action last night.

The Irish international started for Everton's senior side for the first time since last March following his long rehabilitation from a double leg fracture sustained on World Cup qualifying duty.

Despite having less than an hour's playing time with the Under-23s under his belt, Coleman was named in the starting XI to face Leicester City and he successfully completed the full 90 minutes, putting in an astonishingly effective display after such a long layoff.

He was given a hero's welcome back by the club which included a massive banner in the stands and regular chants of the familiar “60-grand” chant that celebrates one of the best signings of the Premier League era.

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“It felt brilliant to be out there,” Coleman told evertontv. “I am delighted to be back and to put the jersey on again. But most importantly, we got the win. That makes it all the better.

“I heard the songs. I did have to switch off from the excitement before the game. I'm so grateful for the reception that I got but I had a job to do and I wanted to make sure I played well. 

“But now I can really appreciate it and the support I have had from day one from both Everton and Ireland fans – it is something I will always remember. It was just a very special night.”

Like fellow long-term absentee, Yannick Bolasie, Coleman had been expected to start on the substitutes' bench when Everton met the Foxes under the lights last night and even when he was named in the team, he was monitored at half time to assess his fitness.

The indefatigable fullback was determined to play the whole game, however, and he was a vital part of the side that held Leicester off to win 2-1. Sam Allardyce hinted afterwards that he might give Coleman a rest when the Toffees travel down to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal this weekend but he will have to wait and see.

“I found out a couple of days ago from the manager [that I was starting]. I had been preparing for that moment for the last 10 months. The manager said at half-time to give them a nod when I started to fatigue, but I just told him there was no way I was going to get tired.

“He told me to use my head and be sensible but I'd been waiting 10 months so there was no chance I was going to tire - although I did blow up a little bit at the end!

“I want to play against Arsenal, of course, but nowadays with sport science and things like that it's a lot more analytical. Back in the day, you would be thrown back in and left to keep going.

“But we have a good team here behind the scenes who know what they are doing. I am just happy to be back out there. When the manager needs me, I'll be ready.”

 

Reader Comments (65)

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Jim Potter
1 Posted 01/02/2018 at 18:48:48
And what a difference Seamus made. Great player, great pro and great bloke.

Kenny deserves credit for the job he's done. One for the future for sure.

Dave Evans
2 Posted 01/02/2018 at 18:54:51
Well done, Seamus and the team. Great attitude and win.
Jakub Kollar
3 Posted 01/02/2018 at 18:56:59
I think I love that guy.
Mike Berry
4 Posted 01/02/2018 at 18:58:13
The bloke is awesome. We have missed him so much!
Jay Harris
5 Posted 01/02/2018 at 19:02:00
What a refreshing change from the Lukakus and Pogbas of this world.
Dermot Byrne
6 Posted 01/02/2018 at 19:18:11
Feet on the ground a good fella as well as footballer.
John G Davies
7 Posted 01/02/2018 at 19:18:26
A credit to Everton Football Club. A credit to Ireland. And a credit to himself.

Any one with a daughter would be pleased if they walked through the door with a man of our Seamy's calibre.

Bill Gienapp
8 Posted 01/02/2018 at 19:28:03
Just about the only current Everton player to have a 100% approval rating amongst the fanbase (and deservedly so).
Tony Cawson
9 Posted 01/02/2018 at 19:32:18
Can we give him Player of the Year now?
James Flynn
10 Posted 01/02/2018 at 19:39:07
Amazing he's went 90 minutes that soon. Even up the flank again at the end of the game.

Any idea who planned out that giant banner? Was it the Club?

Also got a kick out of a 29-year-old saying, "Back in the day."

John Pickles
11 Posted 01/02/2018 at 19:44:04
He was the 37th player Everton have used this season according to SkySports, a club record.
John Davies
12 Posted 01/02/2018 at 19:53:45
The lad is an absolute credit to himself and the club. What a performance from him last night. Absolutely outstanding.

When he made that final run right at the end we were in the Gwladys Street praying that his legs would hold out and he would at least get a shot away even if he didn't score. What a fabulous reception he got from the Goodison faithful. Totally deserved!!!

Welcome back, Seamus.

Tony Everan
13 Posted 01/02/2018 at 19:57:13
A great player and a wonderful humble man.

We are lucky to have him.

John Malone
14 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:02:49
Seamus Coleman – Everton's next club captain!!

What a guy... what a player!

Jim Bennings
15 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:13:04
Kenny has filled in okay while Coleman was out but the difference was unreal last night comparing the two performers!

Coleman simply has that star quality that we have missed and the energy and linkup of him and Walcott made our right flank a pretty impressive area.

Minik Hansen
16 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:13:10
Seems like he's gonna be rested/play some part of the game on Saturday. The last part suggests that? And what a great feeling to see him as he is on the pitch, what an upturn, makes you almost forget what we've been through this season.
David Currie
17 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:14:56
Brilliant performance; I was impressed with the link-up play between Seamus and Theo.
Jack Convery
18 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:29:57
We should offer him a new contract and tie to the club for the rest of his career. He bleeds blue and as far as I am concerned is the only one in the squad who does. He loves the blue jersey. he loves EFC and that's all we can ask for. Please make him Captain for next season.
James Marshall
19 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:30:37
Great to have him back, and great to see him gel immediately with Walcott.

A lot of people have complained about our injured players being rushed back, but for all his faults, Allardyce is heavily into technology and that includes injuries and recovery.

Like Seamus says, they know what they're doing.

Len Hawkins
20 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:34:00
If any of your enthusiasm and work rate rub off on the rest, Seamus, what a team it could become. Top Man! FEC Future Everton Captain.
Darren Hind
21 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:35:06
Universally popular it would appear. The divisions disappear when Seamus is discussed.

Best atmosphere since the West Ham game last night and most of the songs were in tribute to Seamus.

I feared we would not see him back to his best when I heard how bad the injury was, but with this attitude he has every chance

Made up for him

Dave Abrahams
22 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:36:58
Jim (15) why compare a young full back in his first season playing for the Blues with a seasoned International player who has played hundreds of games in the premier league, why not be happy that Seamus made a terrific return to football after an horrendous injury and a long lay off.

Jonjoe has been playing in a very poor team getting no help, except from Aaron Lennon, and he has done very well, he will be back, maybe as early as Saturday and I know he will not let the Blues down.

I bet Jonjoe was just as made up as all of we were with Seamus's performances last night, he will watch and learn from Coleman's displays and I think Jonjoe is as down to earth as Seamus so will be a credit to the Everton, the same as we all know Seamus is, enjoy the two of them Jim.

Mike Gaynes
23 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:37:01
This man is an inspiration. He's the face of Everton today, and the armband awaits. He fits right in with the history of this club.

Minik (#16), I assume he's sore as hell today after going the full 90, and I strongly doubt that he will play any part Saturday. Rest is absolutely crucial in the recovery process to prevent re-injury after a long layoff. Kenny can handle the job.

Mike Gaynes
24 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:41:47
Dave (#22), well said as always.
Tony Heron
25 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:47:15
Jay Harris @ 5. Couldn't agree more. I think of Seamus the way I thought of my Everton heroes in my youth (fab 60s).
David Barks
26 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:52:24
Kenny is 20 years old, Coleman is 29. In the 2009-10 season Coleman wasn't ready either, which is why he was loaned out to Blackpool. Basically the same age as Kenny is now. He did his job and now will go back to learning. There's nothing wrong with that.
Phil Lewis
27 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:56:47
Absolutely delighted for Seamus. What a player, what a man. Truly inspirational. I had my reservations about his return after such an horrendous injury, but what a performance. Sensational.

Time is on young Jonjoe Kenny's side. He has proved an able understudy and should develop into a fine prospect. But Coleman reminded us in no uncertain terms last night exactly what we have been missing. VI'm convinced already that he will forge a fantastic understanding with Walcott for the future. That's the right flank sorted, now for the left!

John Keating
28 Posted 01/02/2018 at 21:04:36
Dave 22. Spot on. Very easy to critisice our youngsters but looking at what they've be thrown into the only thing they deserve is praise.
Bobby Thomas
29 Posted 01/02/2018 at 21:17:06
Seamus Coleman is the absolute antithesis of some of the suspect personalities we have brought to the club over the last 18 months.
Jerome Shields
30 Posted 01/02/2018 at 21:17:45
Glad you are back Seamus. Great performance and great player. Good Luck.
Dave Older
31 Posted 01/02/2018 at 21:19:14
So pleased to have you back Seamus. His partnership with Walcott will hopefully flourish in the weeks ahead. Maybe give him the Arse game off to get back to full fitness for the following game. I hope Tosun gets a chance on Saturday.
Oliver Molloy
32 Posted 01/02/2018 at 21:30:23
Seamus Coleman, a genuinely nice person, a very generous human being with good values, appreciates and knows he is a very lucky guy to be playing football earning the money he does. An example to youngsters playing the game.

Winning a trophy @ Everton would mean so much to Seamus Coleman, I hope it comes true (for him and us Evertonians) and with him as Captain would be perfect.

Over the moon to see him back, l really hope you get all the luck you deserve and inspire this football team.

Gavin McGarvey
33 Posted 01/02/2018 at 21:30:34
Great to see Seamus back. Really pleased for him, and he really made a big difference to us.
David Hallwood
34 Posted 01/02/2018 at 21:42:09
Special for you Seamus, extra, extra, extra special for us.
Chris Clark
35 Posted 01/02/2018 at 22:02:42
Best bit of business the club did in the summer was giving him a new contract. It is great having a vocal player at the back who isn't afraid of bollucking other players.
Christy Ring
36 Posted 01/02/2018 at 22:05:05
His display last night told us exactly what we were missing, and showed us how good Seamus really is.
Jim Wilson
37 Posted 01/02/2018 at 22:06:58
A great player and a tremendous character. He made a big difference.

I couldn't believe how good he was in the second half.

Pity Jonjoe can't play at left back?

Liam Reilly
38 Posted 01/02/2018 at 22:21:49
Jack (#18),

Bill Kenwright phoned Seamus on the night of his horror injury to tell him that Everton would honour the 5-year contract that was agreed and about to be signed.

He gets a lot of shit on here, but Bill did an honourable job there.

Brent Stephens
39 Posted 01/02/2018 at 22:43:19
Liam if that is true, I agree – well done, Bill.
Anish Dosani
40 Posted 01/02/2018 at 22:49:13
Either way... left-back: who and where is he?
Jay Wood
[BRZ]

41 Posted 01/02/2018 at 22:50:05
It's very true Brent, as reported at the time:

Seamus Signs New Blues Deal

There's a lot the club and its guardians rightly take stick for, but we also do some things very well. This was one of them.

A gesture to be proud of.

Don Alexander
42 Posted 01/02/2018 at 22:52:43
When he went to Blackpool they were on the run-in to promotion and that's no time to be having to draft in a loanee. He only played about ten games but was MotM in a number of them. The crowd there thought the world of him.

>A total pro at 20 who developed further on his return. Hopefully the lads we currently have at that age can take inspiration from his impeccable example, on and off the pitch.

Declan Martin
43 Posted 01/02/2018 at 23:27:40
The guy just oozes class!
Hope we never lose him.
Soren Moyer
44 Posted 02/02/2018 at 01:21:34
He should be given the captaincy NOW!
Derek Knox
45 Posted 02/02/2018 at 03:10:21
I can only endorse the glowing tributes to Seamus, and his much awaited return; he has been missed so much; I have lost count of the numerous permutations with the back four since his absence; and must hasten to add that none compensated really.

I just hope he has no after effects from his energetic display; and is indeed available and raring to go for Saturday's televised tea time kick off. We will need our strongest team against the Arse.

They have to bed a couple in, although they did play together at Dortmund; reeling from their humiliation at Swansea, they will be desperate too not to repeat another debacle on TV.

It will be a fillip too for Walcott, showing them what they are missing (hopefully) so I hope there is no sentimental old pal's act, and beneficence from him.

We are due to return the favour after they capitulated at Goodison; but I do believe we are a lot stronger now, and may be able to produce an upset.

Jamie Crowley
46 Posted 02/02/2018 at 04:37:39
If it worked out biologically, I'd bear his children.

Mike Gaynes
47 Posted 02/02/2018 at 05:14:03
Well, there goes the Coleman gene pool shot to hell.
Richard Lyons
48 Posted 02/02/2018 at 06:27:54
Good man yourself, Seamus!
Steve Solomon
49 Posted 02/02/2018 at 07:01:56
He is the perfect role model for young Kenny.

Let's hope he can mould him into the next Seamus.

Alexander Murphy
50 Posted 02/02/2018 at 07:15:54
Seamus Coleman single-handedly lifts the mood of the entire club and fanbase.

So, please, reward our Séamus for his outstanding contribution. Commencing with making him Club Captain.

Then, apply this simple principle "Séamus is the standard which fulfils Nil Satis Nisi Optimum", to every aspect of running our Club.

Ian Hollingworth
51 Posted 02/02/2018 at 07:56:23
At last... good news and something to celebrate at Everton FC!

Coleman and Walcott maybe just what we need to lift the club and inspire better performances and results.

Des Farren
52 Posted 02/02/2018 at 08:26:34
Something, at last, in this horror show of a season.
Well done Seamus Coleman and thank you.
Rick Pattinson
53 Posted 02/02/2018 at 08:39:03
What a man... what a player. Needs the captain's armband asap. Great display just please stay fit.
Steve Ferns
54 Posted 02/02/2018 at 08:53:03
What a player he is. Terrific guy too. I could only repeat what's written above. The mark of the best players is that they make other players look better. Seamus did that. Walcott, Rooney, the rest of the back four.

Suddenly, we had someone ready to take the ball early in transition. Someone with pace looking to stretch the opposition. There was less congestion in the middle. He adds so much going fowards. I'm delighted to have him back.

Neil Lawson
55 Posted 02/02/2018 at 09:16:05
Brilliant. An absolute inspiration. Oh for 10 more of him.

On the downside, I assume that the likely decision to rest him at the weekend is the clearest indication that Allardyce has already given up on that fixture!

Phil Walling
56 Posted 02/02/2018 at 09:29:19
For the first time this season, we had the semblance of a team about us. And Shay's link-up with Walcott had much to do with it. But well done to all – even Martina looked like a player!

No doubt the Big Man will make half a dozen changes for the Arsenal game. We don't want anybody to get too comfortable, do we?

Sam Hoare
57 Posted 02/02/2018 at 09:34:06
It's no coincidence that our best football/teams over the last 6 or 7 years have been with Baines and Coleman on song.

Having two fullbacks/wingbacks able to defend and attack to a high level makes such a big difference to the balance of a side.

Baines sadly has lost some of the pace and energy to age and Martina, though I think he has been much better than the stick he's got, does not offer much in attack. If Séamus stays fit and we get a good LB this Summer then we might start looking like a good team once more.

John G Davies
58 Posted 02/02/2018 at 10:06:39
Sam,

Martina is a far better defender than he is given credit for. Bit of bandwagon jumping going on in the stick he is given. A right back playing left back.

How would Baines get on playing right back?

Dave Rusk
59 Posted 02/02/2018 at 12:41:15
Agree fully John (#58). Cuco = Coco = Clown is a lazy connection. Martina is not as bad as his rep suggests. I know Sigurdsson got the formal assist for Theo's first the other night but, if I recall, it was down to Martina harrying the Leicester man and winning the ball.
Adam Carey
60 Posted 02/02/2018 at 12:41:30
Without going overboard, this guy is just class. For any parent who has a child interested in football, you would point Seamus out and say "This is what a football player should be".

Jags has been a fine Captain for us. Not the greatest player but typifies the kind of standards you expect and once his contract ends he will get my thanks.

Our next Captain needs to have the following standards:

Play your heart out.
Conduct yourself in an exemplary manner.
Be an ambassador for the club.

That is Seamus Coleman in a nutshell. This guy has to be next in line.

Regarding Jonjoe Kenny, he just needs to be told to watch and learn from our Number 23.

Mark Boulle
61 Posted 02/02/2018 at 14:29:56
Slightly off topic I know (there's no more praise of Mustard I can add that hasn't already been said), does anybody have any insight as to what on earth is wrong with Bainsey and when he's due to play again?

It was supposedly a calf injury. As far as we know he's not had surgery, yet he's been absent 3 months now. I don't think even a torn calf muscle would sideline a player this long would it...?

Club is silent as usual... maybe some more serious underlying problem? Otherwise, he really ought to be back by now...

William Cartwright
62 Posted 02/02/2018 at 14:32:42
The amazing thing about the volume of posts is none of them are over the top and the sheer number and consistency alone is a credit to Seamus and his parents.

He is the Captain already, whether formally or not.

Dennis Heaton
63 Posted 02/02/2018 at 15:05:38
I would like to praise Jonjoe Kenny for his contribution to an otherwise negative team but I must say, like many others, çheers Seamus and long may you continue.
Barry Jones
64 Posted 02/02/2018 at 16:31:09
Sam (#57), totally agree. Baines and Coleman fit and firing make a huge difference. I feel that Seamus has been our best and most consistent player over the last several seasons, and what about the amount of goals he gets too! I was sickened when he was injured. I am so happy to see him back and amazingly, as good as new.
Jamie Crowley
65 Posted 02/02/2018 at 17:16:46
Mike (@47),

The kids would be better looking, but less athletic. ;0)

Thrilled Seamus is back and I agree with most – give him the armband now. He's an absolute gem.


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