Seamus Coleman has received one of Everton FC’s most prestigious awards.
The Killybegs man was awarded the Everton Heritage Society’s Dixie Dean Memorial Trophy.
The Heritage Society each year selects a recipient who embodies the qualities shown by Dean.
And this year the Donegal man was the worthy recipient for his service to the club and the standards shown.
The annual honour, named after legendary Toffees star, was presented to Seamus by 1995 FA Cup winning captain Dave Watson.
Coleman recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of his arrival from Sligo Rovers by overtaking Tim Howard as the club’s record Premier League appearance holder.
He told the Everton Heritage Society: “It’s a massive honour to be Everton captain. I suppose I never thought it would happen, when I was coming over here and trying to get into the team.
“As time goes on, you realise how big the club is and the history of the club.
“You realise what the likes of Dave (Watson) and the other lads have done at the club. I suppose I’ve been chasing that dream for a long time.
“It’s something I don’t want to give up on. I think regardless of winning something or not, I think Everton means so much.
“I always try to give 100 percent. I just love putting on that blue shirt and representing Everton Football Club.”
Coleman paid tribute to the supporters who held aloft a giant banner at a recent game against Aston Villa which read ‘15 years of Seamus’.
“I really appreciate it and I’m really thankful. It’s great because I suppose the fans have recognised that whether I play well or play badly, I always give 100 percent,” he said.
“They really took to me and I’m really grateful for that. As long as I’m here, I’ll continue doing my best for Everton Football Club.
“For me, that’s the most important part – not individual performances or individual stats, it’s Everton Football Club, first and foremost, and that’s all that matters to me.
“The thing with this club is that it sticks together, and that’s what we’re doing at the minute.
“Us as players really appreciate the fan support as well because it’s been tough with what’s happened, but we’re still fighting and, thankfully, the fans are still helping us along the way too.”
