'It's only now I realise how amazing it was': Everton star Seamus Coleman explains why Blackpool loan spell was so beneficial

The Republic of Ireland international joined the Seasiders in March 2010, initially on a one-month loan to replace the injured Neal Eardley.

But such was his success, the 31-year-old remained at Bloomfield Road until the end of the season - helping Ian Holloway’s men reach the promised land.

The full-back made 12 appearances in total during his time on the Fylde coast, with the Seasiders winning nine of those as they romped into the play-offs at the end of the Championship campaign.

After returning to Goodison Park, Coleman went on to enjoy a stellar career at the top level, making over 250 appearances for the Toffees.

Reflecting on his loan spell with Blackpool, Coleman told Sky Sports: “That was an incredible spell and it's probably not until now that I'm getting to the later stages of my career that I look back and realise how amazing that really was.

“I think I had about six games for Everton at the time and I wasn't sure about going out on loan, I thought I would be on the bench and get a couple of games here and there in the Premier League, but David Moyes thought it was a good idea to send me out.

“I couldn't have gone to a better club. I think we were just outside the play-offs and we were doing really, really well and I had a manager there in Ian Holloway who said 'enjoy yourself, no pressure'.

“We played a very attractive style of football actually and we galloped over the line. We came on really strong in the end and to get to the play-off final against Cardiff was amazing, it was such a brilliant game as well.

“I'd done quite well at Blackpool so I went back to Everton with a lot of confidence from that, knowing that I could play at that level and it really did help kick-start my career at the club."