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Everton players past and present want fans to rally ’round Rafa

By Paul Conatzer

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 16: Séamus Coleman of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton and Sheffield United at Goodison Park on May 16, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 16: Séamus Coleman of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton and Sheffield United at Goodison Park on May 16, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /
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It doesn’t seem that long ago, Everton legend Neville Southall was quoted as saying there was only one man to manage the club.

On 2 June, Southall told the Liverpool Echo That the man for Everton was Duncan Ferguson.

"Via his agent, Dave Cockram, Southall said: “It’s important to support Big Dunc. He’s the only man since Joe Royle to show the loyalty and dedication to revive our fantastic club’s fortunes.“He has stepped up each time he has been asked with pride, passion, commitment and drive to help our beloved club."

Today, Southall joined with his former teammate Peter Reid and current club captain Seamus Coleman in urging fans to support the recently hired Rafa Benitez.

Just as love for the club made Southall speak out in favour of Ferguson, it’s love for the club that the trio showed when coming out in support of Benitez. It was a demonstration of the pride and passion they hold for Everton.

Southall told Sky Sports

"“I think it’s not helpful if people protest. If you’re an Evertonian, all that matters is the club.”Rationally, in the cold light of day, from inside the boardroom, it’s a good appointment,”"

Of course, being rational and being a football supporter, especially an Everton supporter is almost mutually exclusive.

Cue Peter Reid, a Scouser who grew up as a Liverpool fan, before becoming a legendary Everton player alongside Southall in Howard Kendall’s mid-80s Titans.

Reid is never afraid to voice his opinion and on Twitter, he posted,

"“Everton, the club is bigger than anybody. We must get behind the new manager and support our team. If a small club come to Goodison Park to defend, we must respect that also.”"

Reid acknowledged and dismissed Benitez’s long-ago ‘small club’ jibe with his post.

If Evertonians insist on remembering that Benitez quote, they should also remember David Moyes’ ‘knife to a gunfight’ blurb.

Current club captain Seamus Coleman, who likely sees Benitez as his last chance to lift silverware his devotion to club has richly deserved, let fans know where he stood.

He told Off The Ball,

"As players and staff we need and want what’s best for Everton Football Club and as I touched on, there have been too many seasons that just dwindled out.“That’s on me and a lot of the players and me as captain in the last couple of years. Now, we’re ready to go again and come back and impress the new manager.“Like I keep talking about, and I’m not embarrassed to say it, we want what’s best for Everton and we want to be successful.“I’m sure fans are sick hearing me say it but I’ll keep saying it until the day I kick my last football for Everton: we want to win a trophy at that football club.”More from Prince Rupert's TowerEverton 0 Arsenal 1: Blues fall to third home defeatFurther chaos in Everton takeover as other lenders not keen on 777 PartnersEverton need repeat of Arsenal win to kick-start their season on SundayMore madness at Everton as Moshiri now agrees to sell club to 777 PartnersEverton takeover talk cools after UK govt doubts and further questions"

Coleman also blasted supporters who displayed threatening banners about Benitez as he told RTE they didn’t represent the majority of Everton supporters.

Jordan Pickford has been among the most impressive players at the current Euro’s Tournament. The Everton and England ‘keeper is yet to concede a goal in four matches and has made some stunning saves when needed.

He added his voice to the get behind Benitez chorus.

Pickford told the club’s official website

"He rang me last night. It was good to speak to him. He said enjoy the tournament, do well for England and I’ll see you when you get back."

For those in the know, the last and ok only time England won a trophy, Everton also won one, too.

So are you ready to get behind Benitez?

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