Coleman understands Everton fans’ frustration, asks for support

With Everton fan discontent at an all-time high, for the last couple of decades at least, and the frustration threatening to turn into a full-fledged rebellion, veteran Seamus Coleman has spoken trying to soothe the Blue fanbase.

The fullback was playing only his third game of the season over the weekend after having recovered from a minor knock that he took in the win over Crystal Palace. He picked up an assist in the 2-1 loss away at Burnley on Saturday, nodding on the cross for Cenk Tosun to head home the opener for the Blues, but was otherwise quiet and subdued.

Speaking to evertonfc.com after the game, the Irishman sympathized with the fans who travel the length and breadth of the land in large numbers supporting the team, and are fed up with the end-product on the pitch and the endless drivel that is being spouted by the manager in defense.

“The fans travel all around the country supporting us and we know what it means to them. They are paying good money and it’s up to us to put in a performance for our home fans and then kick on and try to win away. The important thing is to win games.

“We understand their frustration but we need their support between now and the end of the season. I have no doubts we’ll get it because they’ve been fantastic and it’s up to us as players to make sure we perform.

The current run of form the Blues are in is even worse than the stretch Ronald Koeman endured at the beginning of the season with tougher opponents.

“It’s difficult to understand. Obviously I’m just back in the team myself, this is my first away game since returning from injury but I don’t think any of the lads were thinking anything other than three points.

“You need a positive mindset but when they got their first maybe that’s when we need to stand up and be counted and get the second ourselves but that didn’t happen.”

Certainly the players are not blameless for their part in the whole fiasco. While Sam Allardyce is not necessarily putting them in positions to win with his archaic strategies and tactics, some of the players have been mailing in performances all season long and much more is expected of them.

That aside, there was a milestone for Coleman on Saturday, with the fullback playing in his 250th game for the Blues. Everton are going to need him to be much better as he himself observes if they are to prevent an unnecessarily tense end to this season.

“I’m happy to be out there and I want to help the lads between now and the end of the season.

“I’ve felt good in the games I’ve played. I just want to kick on now.”

If Everton are to arrest this current slide that’s taking them back towards the relegation zone, it’s going to have to come down to the veterans (not named Ashley Williams) to show some leadership on the pitch especially if Allardyce cannot prepare the team to the standard required in the Premier League.