Coleman sends his best wishes
SEAMUS Coleman, the Republic of Ireland and English Premier League star who started his professional career with Sligo Rovers, has wished his former club well ahead of this evening’s home clash with Icelandic club FH Hafnarfjordur. Rovers are 1-0 down going into this UEFA Europa Conference League first qualifying round oun ds second econd leg leg, having havi lost 1-0 in Iceland last week.
But full-back Coleman, 32, who joined Everton in January of 2009 after three seasons at The Showgrounds, says that the presence of 400 fans for this week’s home leg could make a massive difference.
“I want to wish you [the players] all the very best on Thursday night in your Europa Conference League match,” the Republic of Ireland international said.
“I know you’ll have supporters in the stadium and I know what it’s like playing in front of them in The Showgrounds.”
“They will be your 12th man and I wish you all the very best. Good luck,” he added.
Athletic at the start of my career and I didn’t forget it.”
“I was up against Greg Bolger that day actually and the style of football will be a great fit for me,” he told www.sligorovers. com. “I’m a ball-playing midfielder who can play six or 10. I think defending matters when it comes to midfield so if I play six I like to get on the ball and protect the defence, and if playing further up the pitch create chances or score goals.”
“I know Robbie McCourt and Danny Kane so I spoke to them about the club and when you just hear good things, it made me want to come here.” “I can see the positive mindset here and a winning mentality and it’s fantastic to be part of that,” McDonnell enthused.