Seamus Coleman and Everton set for Sligo Rovers pre-season friendly

Everton will begin their pre-season fixture schedule with a friendly against Sligo Rovers ­­– the former club of Blues captain and Killybegs’ own Seamus Coleman.

Sean Dyche’s men’s senior team will face the League of Ireland Premier Division side on Friday 19 July at the Showgrounds in Sligo.

The clash will further strengthen the close bond between Everton and the Bit O’Red which, since January 2021, has included a strategic partnership between the two clubs to work on initiatives together ranging from fan engagement, marketing and joint football camps.

The match will also honour fans’ favourite Coleman, who joined the Blues from Rovers in January 2009 for a famed fee of £60,000. 

The ex St Catherine’s man played over 50 times for Sligo, having made his debut against Derry City in late 2006. 

The Republic of Ireland captain became a mainstay of the first team under the management of Paul Cook before making the move across the Irish Sea and to Goodison Park in early 2009.

After recently signing a new one-year contract to extend his time at Everton into a 16th season, Coleman has etched his name into the club’s record books following years of top-class service and passion for wearing the royal blue jersey.

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 and Leon Osman in joint 10th.

Coleman was part of an Everton XI which played at the Showgrounds back in 2010 and he has visited the ground on a few occasions since his move to England.

Speaking ahead of the game, Coleman 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.”

Tickets go on sale at the Showgrounds from Tuesday morning at 10am. Online sales will commence on Wednesday at 9am. 

Supporters of both Rovers and Everton can access tickets from here. The link will be posted on all social media channels on the day.

Ticket pricing: Adults €20; Concessions (OAPS and students) €15, U-12 €10.