Seamus Coleman admitted he was more than happy to help Everton Football Club after the club was left without a manager three hours before an FA Cup tie.
Everton decided to part ways with former manager Sean Dyche, and the club had a game against Peterborough United hours later. The club decided to install Coleman and another Everton great, Leighton Baines, in charge.
The Merseyside club won 2-0 on the night, thanks to goals from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye.
Coleman explained how he was approached by the club and admitted that it was a bit surreal to be asked to stand on the touchline as a coach rather than a player. He admitted he was happy to do so.
"It was very late, very late for us both," Coleman told Everton TV when asked about his sudden elevation to co-manager. "We're both Evertonians. I think I was supposed to be on the bench tonight, and it changed very quickly.
"I always say, whatever Everton needs from me, I'm going to be there. Tonight, they needed me to stand beside Leighton and help him. I was more than happy to do so, and it was good for the lads to get a win as well.
A proud Coleman on tonight's 2-0 @EmiratesFACup victory over Peterborough. pic.twitter.com/IFiWzT0YVy
— Everton (@Everton) January 9, 2025
"It's a bit surreal. I was playing and training yesterday, and then I was standing on the sideline with Bainesy. Credit to Leighton—he's more used to this side of things than me. How he planned, how he prepared. I was there to support him as best as I could. I really enjoyed it."
Coleman stressed that it was important for the players to give their all despite Dyche being given his marching orders hours earlier. This was important for supporters and the city, added Coleman.
"The most important thing is the lads understand—whether the manager is gone or a new manager is coming in—that regardless, Everton Football Club means too much to too many people, and our fans are important to us.
"We need to buy in and have massive belief for the rest of the season. Every game here is a game closer to it being the last, and we've got to find that connection."
Everton's next game will be against Aston Villa next Wednesday.
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