Everton’s recent announcement of their return to Seamus Coleman’s former club, Sligo Rovers, has stirred up nostalgia and memories of a bygone era. The Toffees’ iconic player, Dixie Dean, made a shocking transfer to Sligo Rovers decades ago, a move that was unprecedented at the time. Fast forward to the present, and Sean Dyche’s squad is set to kick off their preparations for Everton’s historic final season at Goodison Park with a friendly match against Sligo Rovers on July 19.
The connection between the two clubs runs deep, with Seamus Coleman, now captain of both Everton and the Irish national team, having made the journey from Sligo to Merseyside in 2009 for a mere £60,000, a fee that has become legendary in Everton folklore. However, some 70 years prior, Dixie Dean’s decision to leave Everton for Sligo Rovers raised eyebrows, as it was seen as a move to a footballing backwater.
In an era where top players are flocking to Saudi Arabia for lucrative deals, Dean’s choice to move to Ireland in the 1930s seems even more peculiar. Yet, the promise of a significant payday was too enticing to resist, and Dean made the switch, leaving behind his legacy at Goodison Park. The parallels between Dean’s move and Coleman’s return to Sligo Rovers are striking, highlighting the enduring connection between the two clubs.
As Everton prepares to bid farewell to Goodison Park, their trip to Sligo Rovers serves as a poignant reminder of the club’s rich history and the players who have shaped its destiny. The match on July 19 will be a celebration of the special bond between the two clubs, and a testament to the enduring power of football to transcend time and borders.
