Distin bids farewell after 6 years

Lyndon Lloyd , 24 May, 42comments | Jump to most recent

Goodison Park got the opportunity to acknowledge Sylvain Distin's service to the club since his arrival in 2009 after the defender was given a late cameo in the defeat to Tottenham.

Distin has been frozen out of the first-team picture at Everton since January and it looked as though an apparent rift between the Frenchman and manager Roberto Martinez would deny him the chance to bid farewell to the Blues' fans.

Thanks to Martinez's u-turn, the 37-year-old was given a few minutes at the bed of the game and he was greeted with a rapturous round of applause.

After the match, Distin spoke of his appreciation for the supporters and his message to his teammates.

"There's a lot of emotions, but that's football," he said "I'm leaving with plenty of good memories and a big smile on my face.

"Before I left I made sure I explained to the guys they have something really special and they need to fight to keep it because it's a special club and a special atmosphere and you don't see that everywhere.

"I spent six amazing years here full of great memories and I met a lot of nice people. I'm not just talking ahbout the guys I play with every week - it's the girls working in the kitchen you guys, pain the a*** asking for interviews every five minutes!

"That's what the club is. All the people working behind the scenes, not just the people on the pitch."

Reader Comments (42)

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Jim Bennings
1 Posted 24/05/2015 at 23:38:17

So long big fella, thanks for the good service over the last 6 yearÂ’s.

Frankly your better off out of it now, the Everton Football Club ship is slowly sinking into abyss.

Steve Jones
3 Posted 25/05/2015 at 00:14:23

CouldnÂ’t understand why Distin didnÂ’t play in Kiev instead of Alcaraz, would have been much more solid. Looks like BobbyÂ’s pride prevented him playing and cost the club big time.

Distin did a great job for us replacing Lescott and would do a good job for a team like Bournemouth .

Brian Porter
4 Posted 25/05/2015 at 00:31:58

So long Sylvain and thanks for six years of loyalty and for the most part, solid performances in the shirt. I have a feeling youÂ’ll be remembered with far more fondness than the current manager when he leaves by the vast majority of Evertonians. Good luck wherever you go in the future.

James Flynn
5 Posted 25/05/2015 at 00:26:21

Fond farewell. A key member of what I think was the best back 4 in the league for several years; including, letÂ’s not forget, RobertoÂ’s first year at the helm.

We talk, fairly, about BainesÂ’ success having Pienaar in front of him. LetÂ’s remember the guy who had his back.

IÂ’ll guess heÂ’ll hook on with a lower club in the Prem or finish up somewhere in France. But, if those options donÂ’t work out, *cough* MLS Red Bull *cough*.

Malc Kitchen
6 Posted 25/05/2015 at 02:14:39

Good luck Buzz, you was so consistent until father time stepped in, great pro youÂ’ll be sorely missed.

Barry Jones
7 Posted 25/05/2015 at 02:49:22

Some people on the site have pointed out his profile gaffs in the past, notably the back pass against the reds. I think this is unfair.

Overall, Distin has been a marvelous player for us and I also think that he is an honest and genuine type of guy. I wish him the success that he deserves wherever he goes. It was only fitting that he was given a send off .

Michael Polley
8 Posted 25/05/2015 at 04:16:07

Solid defender for us over the 6 years. Formed a great partnership with Jags, and a decent guy.

Good lick for the future, mate.

Tony Cheek
9 Posted 25/05/2015 at 07:33:16

Thanks Distin and best of luck wherever you play. probably the quickest centre back we have ever had and by all accounts a model pro. Take care!

Oliver Molloy
10 Posted 25/05/2015 at 09:27:02

A nice man by all accounts and a very steady defender.
Whatever you choose to do I hope you enjoy it.
Good luck.

Jim Bennings
11 Posted 25/05/2015 at 09:32:56

Still feel like we need a commanding central defender, even more so with Distin obviously ageing and now going.

IÂ’m not at all convinced this Jagielka/Stones thing is all that safe and the dream partnership that everyone is making out.

To me they always look like they have a error in them and coupled with Tim Howard being them then if your the opposition, you are always going to feel they will give you a chance in games.

Definetly need a centre half.

The young lad Galloway is very enthusiastic and talented but I donÂ’t heÂ’s ready for the hardships of central defence next season yet.
You need to be a fucking real arl-arse to be a defender in this league.

Even Stones, nice and pretty gr8 is on the ball, struggles big time with anything in the air, still not convinced about him defensively.

Eugene Kearney
12 Posted 25/05/2015 at 09:40:00

Au revoir, Monsieur Distin et merci beaucoup pour tout.

Brin Williams
13 Posted 25/05/2015 at 09:48:36

Thanks Distin, no Disdain here mate.

Eddie Dunn
14 Posted 25/05/2015 at 09:51:58

Many thanks Sylvain, you were imperious at your best, and even in recent times could outpace young flashy wingers.

Best of luck with a few more years on the pitch, wherever that may be.

Bobby Thomas
15 Posted 25/05/2015 at 10:03:33

All in all gave very good service for 6 years. Dedicated, a real professional.

He was very important to the way we played. Bainsey would bomb on and we could push a high line knowing Distin would cover, utilising his pace.

Rumours of our interest in Johnny Evans are frankly terrifying.

Jim Bennings
16 Posted 25/05/2015 at 10:37:15

I agree, the interest in Johnny Evans is a scary one.

Manchester United havenÂ’t had a defence since Vidic and Rio parted ways, the thought of any average United central defender is a scary one.

Shawcross for me every time, a guy who can meet and greet a high cross with minimum fuss.

Yet again what was it yesterday that we conceded?? Yep... another header from a cross.

Dave Abrahams
17 Posted 25/05/2015 at 10:49:28

Farewell Sylvan, glad you got the chance to say goodbye, and the crowd let you know how much they appreciated your time here, good luck for the future.

Paul Thompson
18 Posted 25/05/2015 at 11:10:35

A great buy and at his peak, as another poster said, imperious. He was playing so well at one stage that he got called up to the French squad, but had to pull out through injury.

Colin Glassar
19 Posted 25/05/2015 at 11:21:36

Adieu Sylvan, merci pour les memoires.

Daniel Joseph
20 Posted 25/05/2015 at 11:38:17

Slightly off topic - was Blue Bill at the game yesterday?
I only ask because of the recent rumours about his health and I was working so couldnÂ’t see for myself.

Cheers

Ciaran Duff
21 Posted 25/05/2015 at 11:41:42

Au revoir (well if you sign for Bournemouth anyway) Sylvain.
Probably the right time for him to go although I actually thought he did pretty well when he came on Sunday. Especially as he hasnÂ’t played for a long time.

Dave Abrahams
22 Posted 25/05/2015 at 11:55:15

Daniel (21) yes he was in the front row, his usual speck, with an Arab sitting each side of him, with their cheque books at the ready!!!!!.

Joe Clitherow
23 Posted 25/05/2015 at 11:58:05

Bill was there yes Daniel.

I did think he looked like he had aged a lot since last year though. Then again,,,,,

Thomas Surgenor
24 Posted 25/05/2015 at 12:06:53

ItÂ’s just came to my mind that I canÂ’t remember seeing Alcaraz during the lap of honour yesterday?

Baines was there as was young Browning.

Colin Glassar
25 Posted 25/05/2015 at 12:48:32

Look more closely David, it was Elstone and Green pretending to be Arab billionaires. And it wasnÂ’t cheque books but season tickets they were trying to flog.

Geoff Evans
26 Posted 25/05/2015 at 12:47:23

I hope Kenwright was there; if not, he should be nailed to a seat home and away and made to watch the shite heÂ’s saddled us with.

Also, at half time, he should be made to stay there and listen to a recording of the previous week's aftermatch excuses served up by his ridiculous Spanish mate in the brown shoes.

Eugene Kearney
27 Posted 25/05/2015 at 13:32:29

How come we donÂ’t see Distin coming on in the 20 minute highlights on the official site? He isnÂ’t visible at all.

Mark Berry
28 Posted 25/05/2015 at 13:32:44

The guy has a great sense of humour also Â– Announcing his retirement from International football having missed out on selection for the French squad for "Brazil '14"... having never previously been selected or capped.

Good luck & thanks for the memories.

Tom Magill
29 Posted 25/05/2015 at 13:41:00

All the best, big lad... weÂ’ll miss you.

Matthew Johnson
30 Posted 25/05/2015 at 13:46:09

Sylvain, Footballer, Cyclist, Tennis Coach & Milkman

A true legend, thanks for all the memories sir we salute you

Mark Riding
31 Posted 25/05/2015 at 13:50:43

To sell Lescott for all that money and get Distin in must go down as some of the best business the club has done over the years.

Jim Hardin
32 Posted 25/05/2015 at 14:06:56

A true pro. Wish him the best. Nice to see the posters on here who wanted to usher him out the back door remaining quiet. I think the majority of the fans spoke clearly as to their wishes with the standing ovation he recieved. Some still remember what class is.

Thought he looked in good form and fitness and was pretty quick on his runs. He even managed to get high in the air for a cross as well as play a couple into the box, including the ball in to Naismith after the overlapping run he made.

Jamie Barlow
33 Posted 25/05/2015 at 14:27:35

I didnÂ’t want him ushered out of the back door but it annoyed me that Distin come on yesterday.

1-0 down with 10 to go and Distin comes on when we have a striker and two wingers on the bench.WeÂ’ll never win anything with that attitude.

Instead of trying to win the game or at least get a result, we put a player on who been here 6 years or so. HeÂ’s never been brilliant. HeÂ’s been alright and formed a decent partnership with Jags.

We should have tried to win the game first. Distin then could have walked around the pitch with the rest of the underachievers and soak up his 20 seconds of applause.

Class my arse.

Dave Abrahams
34 Posted 25/05/2015 at 14:46:57

I can understand your frustration Jamie, I was happy for him to come on to be honest, didnÂ’t think weÂ’d score if we played all night, maybe Martinez should have left Galloway on and took Lukaku off, Distinct did more running than Lukaku in the few minutes he was on, and he is only 15 years older than the Belgian.

Ray Robinson
35 Posted 25/05/2015 at 18:31:45

A fond farewell Sylvain! Whatever you said to Roberto, IÂ’m sure that I would have said the same.

Nicholas Ryan
36 Posted 25/05/2015 at 18:46:10

Dave Abrahams 22 : Surely it was a Â’Crab sitting each side of him...Â’

Malc Kitchen
38 Posted 26/05/2015 at 00:24:08

Jamie (#33), was right to bring Distin on, you heard what the fans thought of Buzz, and he was a very good defender, so consistent until this shit season!

Bobby (#15) so very true, hate Martinez, hasnÂ’t got a fuckin clue! Hope to god we get some decent players in, otherwise weÂ’re fucked again!

Ant Dwyer
39 Posted 26/05/2015 at 01:54:51

I must admit, I was disappointed by the signing of Distin. HeÂ’s gone on to prove me wrong. HeÂ’s been treated poorly by Roberto Martinez whom I was also disappointed with the signing of.

Distin proved me wrong and so did Martinez, but now is the time for both of these men to move on.

Karl Masters
40 Posted 26/05/2015 at 11:16:54

Bon Chance, Sylvain!

Did a great job for us. Superb athlete and strong in the air. At least we had something to cheer on Sunday with him coming on.

Matthew Williams
41 Posted 26/05/2015 at 13:17:04

Cheers Buzz, but now itÂ’s young Stones whoÂ’s time has come!

Pat Waine
42 Posted 26/05/2015 at 18:38:26

Well done Distin, thanks for the memories.

Stop knocking the manager on here. Where were you all last year? The manager has been let down by a load of players who have the ability but did not step to the mark, none more so than Ross who reminded me of Nyarko in some of the games. Clueless.

Abhishek Saha
43 Posted 27/05/2015 at 03:57:40

Well done, Distin, and thank you for the memories!

As an Evertonian, I wish you all the very best in life.

Graham Hammond
44 Posted 27/05/2015 at 19:13:26

The biggest complement I can pay Sylvain Distin is that he is going to be very hard (and probably costly!) to replace. A terrific servant in his time here but made a scapegoat in what has been a truly awful season. Sylvain should have gone down in history for heading in the winning goal in an Anfield derby, sadly and predictably dark forces again prevailed and we were denied yet another legitimate derby win. All the best Sylvain, only wish you had been out there in Kiev! Pace, strength, aerial presence, a class act. You will be sorely missed. Best wishes for the future both in and out of football.

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