THE BIT O’RED INCORPORATE A LITTLE BIT OF BLUE

SLIGO ROVERS and Everton have announced a new ‘ strategic partnership’ that will see the clubs link business and coaching operations.

The League of Ireland club’s academy coaches will collaborate with their counterparts at the Premier League side.

Toffees and Ireland captain Seamus Coleman left Sligo for Goodison Park in 2009 for a fee of £ 85,000 and welcomed news of the link- up today.

The 32- year- old hopes the partnership will boost the Bit O’red amid the economic impact of the Covid- 19 pandemic.

The Showgrounds club temporarily laid off players and staff last March as they felt the pinch when the pandemic hit.

Coleman ( left) said: “I’m delighted with this partnership between two clubs close to my heart in Sligo Rovers and Everton.

“I’ll be forever grateful to Sligo for giving me my start in professional football and for helping to pave the way for my move to Everton, the club I am proud to captain and represent each and every day.” Sligo chairman Tommy Higgins pointed to historic links between the clubs as he welcomed the new partnership.

Like Coleman, Everton icon Dixie Dean wore the jerseys of both clubs – scoring 10 goals in seven games for Sligo as he wound down a legendary career that saw him star for the Toffees.

Higgins said: “This is a very positive day for Sligo Rovers. We have a shared history with Everton Football Club over many decades and I believe we also have the same principles and ambition to grow. They are a perfect fit for a collaboration such as this.

“Partnering with Everton will allow us to improve in many key areas.”