Diamond Lauds Departing TrioWhen Everton's players start returning back from their summer break next week, three popular figures in Tony Hibbert, Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar will not be among them.The trio were named on the Club's released list in June and saw their contracts expire earlier this week, meaning after 16, 14 and nine seasons in the first team respectively their time turning out for the Toffees has come to an end.
To mark their farewell, we asked Club Ambassador Graham Stuart to tell us his memories of three players who made a combined total of 994 appearances in royal blue...
On Tony Hibbert…
"What a professional Tony was for Everton - a really solid and dependable player. He never let us down and it’s sad to see him go, but I think he probably realises himself that he needs to play some more football.
"It’s difficult when you get to an older age because you still want to play a lot of games. But Tony has picked up some nasty injuries in the last couple of years which have really held him back, and that’s unfortunate for all parties.
"If he gets an opportunity to prolong his career elsewhere then he’ll be a huge asset for someone, that’s for sure.
"He’ll be missed by the fans. Towards the end of last season - when he got a 45-minute run-out against Bournemouth - he played terrifically well and got a brilliant reaction. It’s a measure of the man because it showed the work he put in all-year round to try to be available for the team.
"I think Tony had a huge influence on Seamus Coleman, too. When Seamus first came through, we quickly found out how good he was going forward but I’m certain he had plenty of conversations with Tony about defensive work and responsibilities as well. Tony was a top professional with Seamus, he helped him and pushed him all the way."
On Leon Osman…
"He’s been outstanding for Everton, both on and off the pitch. He’s represented the Club with pride and brought plenty of smiles to the football club as well. Everyone will miss Ossie.
"And everyone will be wishing him the very best as well, because I’m sure he’s still got a couple of good years left in him as a player.
"Ossie was a joker, you could always guarantee he was up to no good - but in the nicest possible way. He’s a great character.
"We saw how highly he is thought of when he had his testimonial at Goodison. The appreciation that was shown was fantastic and well deserved because he’s been such a great servant to our football club. He was a terrific talent and a terrific bloke as well.
"I think the coaching route is a possibility for Ossie, but it’s totally up to him. I’m sure he could turn his hand to that and I believe he’s been doing some coaching along the line as well in case he does choose to pursue that in the future.
"My guess would be, for the moment, he still thinks he can do a job as a player - and whoever gets him will be getting someone with bags of talent and experience.
"I’d love to see him back at the Club in some capacity one day. He’s always told me that myself, Snods and Sharpy have got the best jobs in football - so maybe we’ll have to be watching over our shoulders!"
On Steven Pienaar…
"My favourite memories of Steven Pienaar involve that wonderful partnership he shared with Leighton Baines. The pair of them occupied that left-hand side for a number of years terrifically well, it was right up there with the best partnerships in the league.
"Steven was a wonderful player, who was always comfortable on the ball. I think he’s one of the most skilful players we’ve had at the Club in the last decade or so. He and Ossie, in particular, were so good in tight areas and trusted their ability to make something work from tough situations.
"Steven has a big decision to make now in terms of what to do next.
"After going out to Cape Town for Premier League Live, I know first-hand how much the people of South Africa adore Steven Pienaar. I’m sure that’ll be a big pull for him, but it all depends on what offers he gets because I’m sure he’ll want to keep playing for as long as he possibly can.
"One thing that is for sure is that he’ll leave Goodison with so many good memories of his time at Everton. The fact he signed for the Club four times shows just how much he loved wearing the shirt."
EvertonFC
