Séamus Coleman is pleading for Everton fans to get behind Rafael Benitez’s bid to end the club’s 26-year trophy famine.
The Spaniard’s appointment has been met with a frosty response from a section of Toffees fans, who haven’t forgiven him for the “small club” jibe he made while Liverpool boss in 2007.
But Everton and Ireland captain Coleman believes the new manager’s track record of silverware means he’s capable of lifting the gloom at the side’s continued struggles to challenge the top four in the Premier League.
"I know Everton fans and I know this appointment has not been straightforward,” began the 32-year-old defender.
“Everton fans love their club and they see the man that’s come in has managed Liverpool and made that comment (small club).
“They'll will back him 100 percent; I've got no doubt about that.
“They are a very supportive group, they get behind every manager because ultimately we all want success.
“He did well at all his clubs, having a great time at Valencia, winning trophies at Chelsea and Liverpool, as well as the Italian Cup with Napoli. He also did well during his time at Newcastle United.
“So he's a successful manager and I think as a club we've got to get behind this.
“We all want the same thing. The club is crying out for success. It can't happen overnight but it needs to happen as quickly as possible.
“The financial backing is there from the owners and we're going into a new stadium in a few years. And, whether it's after my time, I want to make sure we're in the best possible place going into that new stadium as well and try and win things as a football club.”
- The Republic of Ireland and Everton captain today launched SPAR’s Better Choices summer 2021 campaign, bringing healthier food and refreshment options into Irish homes, gardens and parks for all the family to enjoy this summer. SPAR has also created a specially curated online hub at www.spar.ie/betterchoices providing customers with delicious recipes and suggested shopping lists to make planning for staycations, barbeques and match nights in, simple, healthy and tasty. Available now in more than 400 SPAR stores across Ireland, SPAR Better Choices products are easily identifiable by the green sticker
