Seamus Coleman has become the 2024 recipient of the Everton Heritage Society’s Dixie Dean Memorial Trophy.

Following in the footsteps of previous winners, such as Everton greats Howard Kendall, Colin Harvey, Joe Royle, Graeme Sharp and Duncan Ferguson, the current Blues captain received the award on Friday evening at Goodison Park.

Since 1980, the trophy has been given to individuals who, like the legendary Dean, show qualities in the ‘Great Tradition’.

The 35-year-old Coleman recently marked 15 years at the Club since joining from Sligo Rovers in January 2009, while also last month surpassing the Everton Premier League appearance record, overtaking former goalkeeper Tim Howard.

After being handed the trophy by 1995 FA Cup winner Dave Watson, Coleman discussed his pride at being Everton captain.

“It’s a massive honour to be Everton captain," he said. "I suppose I never thought it would happen, when I was coming over here and trying to get into the team.

“As time goes on, you realise how big the Club is and the history of the Club. You realise what the likes of Dave (Watson) and the other lads have done at the Club. I suppose I’ve been chasing that dream for a long time.

“It’s something I don’t want to give up on. I think regardless of winning something or not, I think Everton means so much. I always try to give 100 per cent. I just love putting on that blue shirt and representing Everton Football Club.”

Discussing his responsibilities as the skipper, Coleman spoke about his continued eagerness to learn more about the Club and its history, while also being keen to share what the Club means to the fans, with his teammates.

“There are so many different aspects to being captain,” he continued. “I know a lot of the history of the Club and what it means to the people. With the Howard’s Way movie, I showed the lads some of that because even myself, I’m still learning about all the greats of the Club and what the people and the fans want from the players.

“I think, as captain, it’s important I can share what the Club means to the people on the street.”

Before marking his 15-year anniversary at Everton with a start against Aston Villa at Goodison Park in January, the Gwladys Street held aloft a "15 years Of Seamus" banner to celebrate their skipper.

Speaking about the banner, and his passion for the Blues, Coleman added: “I really appreciate it and I’m really thankful. It’s great because I suppose the fans have recognised that whether I play well or play badly, I always give 100 percent.

“They really took to me and I’m really grateful for that. As long as I’m here, I’ll continue doing my best for Everton Football Club.

“For me, that’s the most important part – not individual performances or individual stats, it’s Everton Football Club, first and foremost, and that’s all that matters to me. 

“The thing with this Club, is that it sticks together, and that’s what we’re doing at the minute. Us as players really appreciate the fan support as well because it’s been tough with what’s happened, but we’re still fighting and, thankfully, the fans are still helping us along the way too.”