Source: Liverpool_Echo
'Young kid' Seamus Coleman starting to fulfil his promise for Everton FC
IN 1939 Sligo Rovers pulled off a major coup when they coaxed Dixie Dean across the Irish Sea. [LNB]At 32, the former Everton striker's best days were behind him. Still, it was the deal of the century for Irish football. [LNB]On his arrival, the Railway Pub in Sligo town centre was said to be crammed with wondrous locals, clamouring to catch a glimpse of the legendary player. [LNB]He scored 10 goals in seven games for the Connacht club and history had been made.[LNB]Some 70 years later Everton's and Sligo's worlds collided again, only this time there was no grand unveiling. [LNB]Seamus Coleman slipped into Finch Farm last January with little fanfare after David Moyes dipped into the petty cash to pay Sligo Rovers £150,000 for the Republic-of-Ireland U21 international. [LNB]Should the unassuming Donegal defender live up to the expectation that suddenly surrounds him following an eye-catching man-of-the-match display against Tottenham at the weekend he will be a snip at the price. [LNB]It may not be on a par with Dean's brief foray to the Emerald Isle, but deal of the decade? You never know.[LNB]Coleman's rise from obscurity began three years ago when he was spotted by former Sligo manager, Sean Connor, who took his team to the then teenager's hometown of Killybegs for a pre-season friendly against amateur side St Catherine's.[LNB]The story goes that Connor was also using the trip to look at property in the area. Instead, he returned to Sligo with a different kind of asset. [LNB]"With 20 minutes to go, St Catherine's put this young lad on at centre-half and I knew straight away he had something," recalls Connor.[LNB]"It was only 20 minutes but he was flying into tackles, driving forward and displaying this fantastic energy. [LNB]"By the end we'd won 4-0 but there was only one thing on my mind. I had to sign this kid. [LNB]"I didn't leave the ground until he'd agreed to sign. [LNB]"The piece of paper he signed wasn't even a proper contract. I just wanted him to sign something there and then before we could get a proper contract in front of him a few days later."
