Seamus Coleman and Interim Chief Executive Colin Chong led a delegation of senior Everton staff at today’s funeral of Michael Jones.

The pair were joined by Club Ambassadors Graham Stuart and Ian Snodin as well as Club chaplain Reverend Henry Corbett at the church service for the 26-year-old, which took place at St Joseph and St Laurence in Kirkby.

Michael, a lifelong Evertonian, tragically lost his life earlier this month while working on the new stadium build at Bramley-Moore Dock.

A poem composed by Everton’s Broadcast and Liaison Manager and family friend Darren Griffiths, who was also in attendance, was included in the Order of Service and is reproduced, below.

The Club’s construction partner, Laing O’Rourke, closed the stadium site on Friday afternoon as a mark of respect, and to allow many of his friends and colleagues from the wider stadium construction team to attend the funeral.

Laing O’Rourke also respectfully tilted the gibs of all cranes on the site towards Goodison Park, where Michael’s family and friends will gather in the evening as guests of the Club.

Following the service, the funeral procession passed by Goodison Park and the new stadium site on Regent Road, en-route to a final farewell to Michael at Anfield Crematorium.

Michael Goodison Jones: Forever In Our Hearts

You didn’t need to know Michael Jones,
You never needed to be told,
You only had to meet him once,
To know that he was solid gold.

A quick hello by Goodison,
A ‘high five’ outside the Brick,
Just a lovely kid from lovely stock,
A credit to Elaine and Mick.

We know you’re watching Saturday,
Behind the Boys in Blue,
But the next three points that Everton get,
Michael - they’ll be just for you.

You’re in the team forever now,
With Howard Kendall as your boss,
You can play a one-two with Alan Ball,
And get on the end of Kingy’s cross.

Then knock it down to Hickson,
And wait for the roar of the crowd,
As ‘There’s Only One Michael Jones’
Comes drifting through the clouds.

So keep on marching down the heavenly road,
Cos no matter what the Coppers shout,
You’ll always be with us Michael,
And your candle will never blow out.