'Amazing to be back' - Rovers roll out red carpet for Coleman return

Last Friday, I walked through the Showgrounds turnstiles to see a sea of blue and red to mark a memorable occasion. 

Flags, scarves, pin badges and matchday programmes all stood out as people came to watch a player who has given so much to the game.

On a July afternoon, Seamus Coleman arrived back to the ground which earned him a transfer across the water in 2009. 

Since that historic move from Sligo to Merseyside for the famous figure of £60,000, Coleman has gone on to play over 400 senior games for Everton – a rare achievement, which spectators understood as he strolled across the Showgrounds surface.

That picture will be remembered by many, as the large crowd in attendance gave the Republic of Ireland captain the standing ovation and applause he deserved.

A warm welcome back for Seamus at The Showgrounds, 15 years on from his move to Merseyside. 💙❤️

🤝 @sligorovers pic.twitter.com/LSmjJFgbtu

— Everton (@Everton) July 19, 2024

Coleman will go down as an inspiration for his actions on and off the pitch. The pure professionalism of the Donegal man was evident when he stood in for countless pictures with supporters young and old.

The game itself, which finished 3-3 between a youthful Sligo side and Everton, will no doubt go down as a proud day for the Coleman family who were in attendance. 

Seamus’ three children were also in the Showgrounds which will be a memory that they and their father will be able to look fondly back on in years to come.

The day will also mean so much to those involved with the Bit O’Red, as they got to cross paths with Coleman once again while ex-Sligo players got to meet a former teammate who has established himself as Everton’s skipper.

“It’s amazing to be back. This is a club that means so much to me,” Coleman told Everton’s social media after the game.

Those words couldn’t be truer as Coleman paid the utmost respect to a club that gave him the pathway to accomplish a career at the top level of English football.

Before the encounter kicked off, a presentation was made to Coleman with the words loyalty, love and friendship – that’s what the moment felt like, as supporters welcomed back one of their heroes.

Everton begin their 2024/25 season in August, a campaign which will also mark the end of the club’s time at their Goodison Park home after 130 years.

The 35-year-old signed a new one-year deal last month, as he enters his 16th season with the English Premier League club.

Last weekend, a documentary on Seamus’ upbringing and career to date was released on Everton’s YouTube channel. 

I encourage anyone to give the hour-long feature a watch. It is clear how much he is thought of by coaches and players.

Former Blackpool manager Ian Holloway, who coached Coleman while he was on loan at the club in 2010, was among the people to pay tribute. 

An emotional Holloway spoke amicably about Coleman and described him as an “ultimate” professional – and I don’t think anyone will ever argue with that. 

Coleman, his family and those in attendance at last week’s friendly will always remember the occasion of Seamie’s homecoming to Sligo.