Sligo Rovers to face Everton in friendly this month

Sligo Rovers will face Everton later this month as the Toffees visit Ireland as part of a pre-season training camp.

The clubs have a strategic partnership and several connections, including Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman beginning his career in Sligo before transferring to Goodison Park.

The game will take place on Friday 19 July at The Showgrounds at 4pm.

The Killybegs native played over 50 times for Rovers.

After recently signing a new one-year contract to extend his time with the Toffees into a 16th season, Coleman has etched his name into the club’s record books.

He holds the Everton record for most ever Premier League appearances (364), while his 422 matches in all competitions has the defender 13th on the club’s all-time list, 11 behind another former Rovers player, Dixie Dean.

Coleman was part of an Everton XI which played at the Showgrounds back in 2010.

Speaking ahead of the game, the Donegal native said: “It will be a huge honour for me to return to Sligo Rovers with Everton for our opening pre-season friendly of the summer.

“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.

“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.”

Everton are preparing for a Premier League opener against Brighton & Hove Albion at Goodison on Saturday 17 August.

The Bit O’ Red are playing an FAI Cup tie against Cobh Wanderers on Sunday 21 July.

Sligo boss John Russell said: “It’s an honour to have the Everton first team play at the Showgrounds and a game myself, my staff and our players are really excited about.

“It’s a game that will capture the imagination of the Irish football public and it’s testament to the people who run our football club that a Premier League team like Everton have chosen to visit us in preparation for their upcoming Premier League season.”

Rovers chairperson Tommy Higgins is looking forward to welcoming the Toffees to Sligo.

He said: “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.

“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 Sligo.”