SEAMUS COLEMAN PAID tribute to manager Roberto Martinez last night as he collected the two main prizes at Everton’s end-of-season awards bash.
The Republic of Ireland international was named Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season at the ceremony in St George’s Hall.
It capped a fine campaign which saw the Killybegs lad, 25, score seven goals from right-full and earn a place on the Premier League team of the year.
“Honestly I can’t really put it into words,” he told the club website. “I’m really, really happy.
Coming over here five years ago from Sligo, I never really thought I’d be picking up these two awards.
“I owe a lot to the players I play with and the manager and the coaches. They’ve helped me massively this season.
“I’m really, really proud and really, really humbled.
“I’m sure as soon as I put [my phone] on I’ll be getting lots of well-wishes. That’s the way it is back home. Everyone is very supportive.
“I like to do as well as I can for the people back home and that’s a big incentive for me.”
Barring a massive swing in goal difference on the final day, the Toffees will finish fifth in Martinez’s first season at Goodison Park and Coleman pinpointed the Spaniard’s influence on his game.
“You’re forever learning under the manager.
“That’s the way he likes us to train – he wants us to pick up positions and study the game [to see] where we can benefit against other teams.
“I‘m forever learning under him and I’m looking forward to it all.”
