Hibbo's Testimonial Honour

Tony Hibbert says it will be an ‘honour’ to play his Everton testimonial.

Hugely respected by fans, players and all associated with the Club, the long-serving defender will be rewarded for more than 10 years’ of first-team service with a benefit match against AEK Athens at Goodison Park on August 8 (7.45pm).

But on a night where the most loyal and unassuming of players will enjoy a profoundly-deserved appreciation of his talents – it won’t only be Hibbert who benefits.

Adults can watch the game for £15, under-15s and over-65s for £5, with a proportion of the funds going to charity.

The Huyton-born player has announced he will be donating a chunk of the proceeds to Claire’s House and the Rainbow Trust.

It is a gesture typical of a man humbled by the success he has enjoyed with a Club he has always supported, joined as a child and debuted for in March 2001.

“It is a great honour for me,” said Hibbert, who picked Athens as opposition as they were the team he equalled the Club record for European appearances against.
“It's a great feeling to be up there with the legends and big names of Everton.”

“I'll definitely be nervous. I just hope someone turns up!

“My time at the Club has flown by. I can remember when I made my debut. It's my 11th year, going into my 12th. That is a long time and the Club has changed an awful lot. We've seen all the changes and a lot of people come and go.

“When you sit down and think about it, it's a very long time. I'm just happy that I've been here for that long.”

Hibbert has long been synonymous with the Blues and is often hailed by teammates as epitomising the Club’s identity.

A member of the FA Youth Cup-winning team of 1998, he has gone on to make more than 300 appearances for his boyhood team.

For full ticket information for Tony Hibbert’s testimonial, click here.