In the Premier League’s world of big spending and astronomical transfer fees, Seamus Coleman represents a glorious throwback.
The full-back’s move to Goodison Park from Sligo Rovers in January 2009 for £60,000 barely made its mark on the football world at the time - it’s not even listed in the transfer section of the 2008/09 Everton season on Wikipedia, for example. Yet, while Toffees fans at the time may have been more excited about the recent signings of the likes of Louis Saha and Marouane Fellaini, Coleman managed to outlast all of his new teammates at Goodison Park.
Coleman’s talent and athleticism was evident from the off, winning man of the match on his Premier League debut after coming on as a first-half substitute and playing a key role in both of Everton’s goals. After going out on loan to Blackpool, Coleman was able to show his potential value as he helped the Tangerines to a shock promotion to the Premier League, and he subsequently agreed a new contract at Goodison Park.
