Seamie Coleman's 'leadership qualities a natural fit' for coaching - Brian Dorrian

Brian ‘Dinky’ Dorrian says that Seamie Coleman didn’t look out of place in the Everton managerial dugout.

The Republic of Ireland and Toffees skipper - alongside another Goodison Park legend in Leighton Baines - stood in for the side’s recent 1-0 FA Cup win over Peterborough after Sean Dyche had been let go just hours prior to kick-off.

David Moyes, the man who first brought Coleman to the club way back in 2009, has since being appointed Everton manager for a second time.

The 61-year-old Scot has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at with the club currently 16th in the Premier League - one point clear of the relegation zone - with only three wins from 19 games this season.

Dorrian of course bossed Coleman at St Catherine’s and they won a Donegal League Premier Division title together back in 2005-06.

Later that same season, Coleman was off to Sligo Rovers and, from there, eventually sealed a dream move to Everton.

Having turned 36 back in October, the curtain will soon begin to lower on what has been an extraordinary playing career on Merseyside.

Dorrian admits that taking in last weekend’s cup clash against Peterborough brought him back - it pulled him right out to the edge of his seat once more, just like Coleman’s initial appearances for Everton did 16 long seasons ago.

“We’ve all got used to seeing Seamie on the TV every weekend in the Premier League,” Dorrian explained.

“It was such an amazing time that, back in 2009, seeing him coming on and going up against all those great players.

“We were all glued to our TVs and, after a while, as he established himself, it felt normal. We got used to it. And what a career he’s had since then.

“But last weekend, because he was stepping into the dugout and just the quick manner it all came about, it was just fascinating to watch.

“It’s not nice when managers lose their job. But it says a lot about Seamie and indeed Baines that the club turned to them right away.

“You are talking about two legends, lads that stuck around the club even when there might have been opportunities to go elsewhere.

“Everton has a huge history but both those players are right up there in terms of what the fans think of them.

“That loyalty means they are a firm part of the fabric there along the terraces. That’s very rare in football, that kind of loyalty, and I guess that’s why they are held in such regard.

“Like I said, when word came through that they’d taken charge for the cup game, it kinda felt like all those years ago when we got word he was starting in that Europa League game away to Benfica.

“You just had to get in front of the TV and not miss it. Now, that was another baptism of fire and a pressurised situation.

“But last week, just getting a small feel for what that’s like, being a manager, it will definitely have given him something to think about whenever he does call it a day.

“Everton won the game and it was a positive experience on the night too. He’ll decide, I’m sure, at some stage what’s next or what direction he’ll go.

“But his personality, I think it’s a natural fit moving into coaching in some form or another. He’s great with people and he has that leadership quality.

“I always go back to Frank Lampard, who has shared dressing rooms with some top, top players and leaders in his career with club and country.

“He specifically signalled Seamie out that time and that clip of him again speaking about that - to Neville, Keane and Carragher on the ‘Stick to Football’ podcast - is doing the rounds.

“Keane, who would also have worked with Seamie, endorsed those same sentiments so that says alot .”

Moyes is a man that Coleman owes so much to and Dorrian says it feels like one of those ‘full circle’ moments as he comes back in as team boss.

Everton will also move into a brand new state-of-the-art stadium at Liverpool docks this summer so it’s a crucial juncture for the club.

And it’s important, for so many reasons, that they step out there next season still in the Premier League.

“There will definitely be a position for Seamie at that club whenever he does call it a day,” Dorrian added.

“Moyes and Seamie would go way back, Moyes took that initial chance on him, so there is a good relationship there already.

“Who knows how all that will pan out down the line. The potential once they get to the new ground is massive. And there is that real link with Seamie and the crowd at Goodison .

“You seen that when the two lads were unveiled the last night, the reception was amazing. He’s a born winner that drives standards. That’s very hard to cultivate. You either have it or you don’t.

“That’s what set him apart for me. Of course he is extremely talented, you don’t get to that level if you’re not.

“But there is a focus and a drive there too that rubs off on others. And it’s very potent inside a dressing room. In the years to come, whoever works with him or under him will benefit from that”.

So much has changed in the last 16 years but so much too hasn’t. Coleman still pops home frequently to St Cummins Hill and he still slips out the back door and down through the rushes towards Emerald Park.

Again, Dorrian gives a unique insight to that as a bonafide Premier League superstar goes out of his way not to be conspicuous.

“Seamie will turn up but the funny thing is, when he does come down and leans in over the fence to watch the lads train or play, he’ll more often than not be wearing St Catherine’s gear or tracksuit top.

“It’s not an Ireland one or Premier League one it’s his junior club one. That’s just nice for the younger boys and girls about the place to see.

“He’s never been flash - he’s as humble now as he was the first day he left here. He’s so appreciative of the career he’s had.

“It’s every lad’s dream to do what Seamie does - be a Premier League footballer. He’s lived that and whenever the time does come, it’ll be interesting to see what’s next”.