‘It will be a huge honour for me’ – Séamus Coleman and Everton to face Sligo Rovers in Showgrounds friendly

Sligo today confirmed that they had agreed a friendly at home to Everton on Friday July 19, a chance for Coleman to line out at the Showgrounds again.

“It will be a huge honour for me to return to Sligo Rovers with Everton for our opening pre-season friendly of the summer,” Coleman said.

“Sligo is a club I obviously hold close to my heart, with them putting their faith in me as a young player which eventually led to my move to Everton,” he said.

“I still have many friends at Sligo and it’s been great to see the close bond between the two clubs strengthen over the years. Going back there after more than 15 special years as an Evertonian will mean a lot to my family and me.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing Sligo fans and Evertonians at The Showgrounds on Friday 19 July.”

Rovers chairman Tommy Higgins noted that the links between the two clubs predate the 2009 transfer of Coleman from Sligo to Everton as Dixie Dean also played for both teams.

“Rovers and Everton have enjoyed a shared history going back to Dixie Dean’s time here all the way to Seamie Coleman’s move to England, our strategic partnership and to the upcoming game here at the Showgrounds. We are excited to host Sean Dyche and the Everton first team,” Higgins said.

“The game will further highlight the link between both clubs today and going into the future. We are looking forward to what will be a great day for Sligo Rovers, welcoming a Premier League club to the Showgrounds.”

Tickets for the game go on sale this Wednesday at 9am on www.sligorovers.com