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Coleman revels in 'very special night'
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.
“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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2 Posted 01/02/2018 at 18:54:51
3 Posted 01/02/2018 at 18:56:59
4 Posted 01/02/2018 at 18:58:13
5 Posted 01/02/2018 at 19:02:00
6 Posted 01/02/2018 at 19:18:11
7 Posted 01/02/2018 at 19:18:26
Any one with a daughter would be pleased if they walked through the door with a man of our Seamy's calibre.
8 Posted 01/02/2018 at 19:28:03
9 Posted 01/02/2018 at 19:32:18
10 Posted 01/02/2018 at 19:39:07
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."
11 Posted 01/02/2018 at 19:44:04
12 Posted 01/02/2018 at 19:53:45
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.
13 Posted 01/02/2018 at 19:57:13
We are lucky to have him.
14 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:02:49
What a guy... what a player!
15 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:13:04
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.
16 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:13:10
17 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:14:56
18 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:29:57
19 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:30:37
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.
20 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:34:00
21 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:35:06
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
22 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:36:58
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.
23 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:37:01
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.
24 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:41:47
25 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:47:15
26 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:52:24
27 Posted 01/02/2018 at 20:56:47
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!
28 Posted 01/02/2018 at 21:04:36
29 Posted 01/02/2018 at 21:17:06
30 Posted 01/02/2018 at 21:17:45
31 Posted 01/02/2018 at 21:19:14
32 Posted 01/02/2018 at 21:30:23
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.
33 Posted 01/02/2018 at 21:30:34
34 Posted 01/02/2018 at 21:42:09
35 Posted 01/02/2018 at 22:02:42
36 Posted 01/02/2018 at 22:05:05
37 Posted 01/02/2018 at 22:06:58
I couldn't believe how good he was in the second half.
Pity Jonjoe can't play at left back?
38 Posted 01/02/2018 at 22:21:49
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.
39 Posted 01/02/2018 at 22:43:19
40 Posted 01/02/2018 at 22:49:13
[BRZ]
41 Posted 01/02/2018 at 22:50:05
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.
42 Posted 01/02/2018 at 22:52:43
>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.
43 Posted 01/02/2018 at 23:27:40
Hope we never lose him.
44 Posted 02/02/2018 at 01:21:34
45 Posted 02/02/2018 at 03:10:21
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.
46 Posted 02/02/2018 at 04:37:39
47 Posted 02/02/2018 at 05:14:03
48 Posted 02/02/2018 at 06:27:54
49 Posted 02/02/2018 at 07:01:56
Let's hope he can mould him into the next Seamus.
50 Posted 02/02/2018 at 07:15:54
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.
51 Posted 02/02/2018 at 07:56:23
Coleman and Walcott maybe just what we need to lift the club and inspire better performances and results.
52 Posted 02/02/2018 at 08:26:34
Well done Seamus Coleman and thank you.
53 Posted 02/02/2018 at 08:39:03
54 Posted 02/02/2018 at 08:53:03
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.
55 Posted 02/02/2018 at 09:16:05
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!
56 Posted 02/02/2018 at 09:29:19
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?
57 Posted 02/02/2018 at 09:34:06
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.
58 Posted 02/02/2018 at 10:06:39
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?
59 Posted 02/02/2018 at 12:41:15
60 Posted 02/02/2018 at 12:41:30
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.
61 Posted 02/02/2018 at 14:29:56
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...
62 Posted 02/02/2018 at 14:32:42
He is the Captain already, whether formally or not.
63 Posted 02/02/2018 at 15:05:38
64 Posted 02/02/2018 at 16:31:09
65 Posted 02/02/2018 at 17:16:46
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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1 Posted 01/02/2018 at 18:48:48
Kenny deserves credit for the job he's done. One for the future for sure.