Now in his fifteenth season on Merseyside, the club captain’s influence goes well beyond the locker room. He wants to use that to make sure the principles that he feels are essential to life at Finch Farm are not disrupted by the upheaval of contemporary sport.

For Coleman, Everton is still the “family club” he joined after leaving Sligo Rovers in 2009, and he wants it to stay that way. Frank Lampard called Coleman “one of the best people I have ever met. “In a field that has seen significant change throughout his tenure, the 35-year-old thinks this is significant. “The club I signed for is a family club, and it is something we can’t lose,” Coleman declared. I believe that losing is a common occurrence in modern football, so it’s critical that we avoid doing that. We take great satisfaction in the fact that so many people from various departments have been together for such a long time, and as someone who has been here for a long time, I take pride in ensuring that we don’t do that.

Although Coleman’s devotion to the Blues has always been evident, in recent years his role as a liaison between the team and its supporters has gained more attention. Several managers have talked about his impact and the strength of his statements in difficult times and before pivotal games in the recent relegation struggles.

When asked his thoughts about Everton Coleman stated: “My life is this club and my family, that’s the two things I have going on in my life and it is not two bad things to have.” Coleman signed a one-year contract extension in the summer. I put my family first and this club second, and I’m glad to come in every day and give it my all. Although the past few years have not been easy, this is where I want to be when I’m not with my family at home.

Coleman still believes that the Blues are a family club for everyone who is a part of it, and this has been especially evident as the team has come together around his friend and colleague Jack Dowling, who coaches the first team’s physical performance. In an effort to raise money for Macmillan, Jack is beginning a challenge that will see him run 26 marathons in 26 weeks. His brother Tom’s diagnosis of colon cancer serves as the impetus for the endeavor. When the charity drive first began, Coleman made the following statement at Finch Farm: “It is crucial that we demonstrate our [club family] side more than ever in situations like this with Jack.”

Everton performance coach Jack Dowling, Seamus Coleman and physio Carl Howarth (L-R). Image: Tony McArdle (Image: alphasportnews.com)

As part of Project 26:26, Jack has already finished three marathons. On Sunday morning, he will run through the streets of Merseyside once more, beginning in his hometown of Crosby. The 30-year-old has already surpassed the £32,250 fundraising goal in less than a month, and donations are still coming in. The goal was set to pay for a specialized Macmillan nurse for 26 weeks.

“What Macmillan have done for Tom and my family and families around the country is unbelievable so I’m just going out to do a run, I’m not doing anything, I’m just going for a run, and if I can raise awareness and support the great job that Macmillan do, and help our Tom, that is all it is for me,” Jack stated in an explanation of his ambition ahead of his first marathon in the series.

Coleman is getting fitter and is working his way back from a nasty knee injury he sustained at Leicester City in May. He expects to join him for a run sometime soon. Jack is helping with his recovery. As his condition improves, the defender participated for 45 minutes on Saturday for Everton Under-21s then for 66 minutes in yesterday night’s EFL Trophy match at Mansfield Town.