Hibbert A Deserving 'Diamond'

Ian Snodin delighted defender to be rewarded with testimonial.

Tony Hibbert is a 'diamond' and truly deserves his upcoming testimonial, according to former Blue Ian Snodin.

The defender will become the first Everton player in a decade to be rewarded for 10 years of service when Greek outfit AEK Athens travel to Goodison Park on August 8.

And Snodin, who played at right back for the Toffees in the late 1980s and early '90s, feels the man now occupying his former position is a more than worthy recipient.

"I'm sure at times when he's not been playing or he's been sacrificed for whatever reason he might have been a little fed up," he told evertontv.

"But Tony Hibbert is a one-club man. Everton is his club. He absolutely loves the place and I think it's a credit to him that he's stuck it out when he has been dropped unfortunately at times.

"He's stuck it out and he's maintained that he wants to be here and I think David Moyes has got to look at people like ‘Hibbo’ and think he's a diamond. He's been a diamond since David Moyes arrived at the Club.

“He gets on with it, when he's selected he does the best he possibly can and I can't speak highly enough of him.”

David Unsworth was the last Everton player to be honoured with a testimonial - albeit his 10 years came over two spells - when the Club played Spaniards Athletic Bilbao in August 2002.

That was a year after Hibbert had made his debut in a 2-0 win away at West Ham and the Huyton-born full back has been an integral figure ever since, taking his tally of appearances to 309.

"I think Evertonians realise that he's one of their own and he's done everything he could for Everton Football Club," added Snodin. "His testimonial is thoroughly deserved.

"He's been a fantastic servant to Everton. From being a young lad coming through the Academy to being in the first team, he's been terrific.

“He's a terrific lad, he's got a terrific family - I know his family quite well - and ever since I've come across Tony he's always been polite. He's been a terrific footballer for the Club and I'm absolutely delighted for the boy."

One thing missing for Hibbert, however, is an Everton goal.

And Snodin added: "I think he will score, even if it's a penalty. I just hope if he is awarded one on the night he scores it!

“I'll predict that he will. I predict Tony Hibbert will score in his testimonial."