- Everton honoured its legends on the End of Season Award gala
- Leighton Baines named Everton Giant
- Seamus Coleman receives Howard Kendall Award
Everton held their End of Season Awards at Hill Dickinson Stadium as two club legends were recognised for their contributions.
Leighton Baines was named an Everton Giant, joining 37 other legendary former players in the club’s official Hall of Fame. While, Seamus Coleman received the prestigious Howard Kendall Award for his 17 years of service.
Baines: ‘A huge honour’
He made 420 appearances across 13 seasons for Everton; won Player of the Season twice and Players’ Player of the Season three times, and also earned 30 England caps.
After retiring, Baines joined David Moyes’ backroom staff as Men’s First-Team Coach when the manager returned at the helm in January 2025.
Speaking after receiving the award, Baines said: “It’s quite surreal to see some of the names and faces up there and to be mentioned in the same breath as them is unexpected but a huge honour.
“I’ve been here now for almost 19 years, and before that I was a young lad here. I had to go away and find a different route and learn my trade a different way. The manager brought me back and I’ve loved it ever since.”
On his coaching role, Baines added: “I love [the coaching side]. It takes time and it’s a completely different craft. You’ve got to go in and do the work, put the hours in. I worked with young players who meant a lot to me, and now, it’s players at this level, who are as talented as this group are. Not just talented, but an amazing group of players, as well. I love it and I love coming into work every day.”
Seamus Coleman: ‘I’m very honoured’
Seamus Coleman announced earlier this month that he will be leaving Everton at the end of the season. Signed for £60,000 from Sligo Rovers in January 2009, he made 434 appearances in all competitions. Coleman entered the top 10 on the club’s all-time appearances list with his final home game against Sunderland last weekend.
Coleman said: “I’m very grateful for the time I’ve spent at this amazing football club. I genuinely care about and love this football club.
“I just wanted to play for this team. I don’t want to get away from the point of this award – the Howard Kendall Award. It means a lot.
“I’m very honoured to pick up this award because he is an Everton legend.” Two legends. Two fitting tributes. Evertonians will remember both for years to come.
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