LEON OSMAN has never forgotten his loan spell at Carlisle as a young starry eyed Everton player.
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| Osman played 15 games for Carlisle in 2002/03 season |
It’s why when Storm Desmond struck Cumbria to leave Brunton Park and the surrounding area looking like a war zone the former England midfielder had no hesitation in contributing to an Everton fans led campaign to aid the League Two club’s vital community work.
A pair of signed Osman boots have been auctioned and it’s expected that when all the proceeds are counted up a cheque for around £8,000 will be handed over during today’s FA Cup tie between the two clubs in front of a 17,000 sell out crowd.
The 34-year-old admits the news coverage of the devastation of the town shocked
“I have also offered to donate a shirt and it’s whatever we can do to help get the town up and running," he said.
“It was incredible. When you see that (the floods) happening anywhere in the country it’s a shock and you really feel for the place, but when you see places you recognise it’s doubly so.
“To see the ground under water was incredible. I wasn’t sure the game would be able to be played at Brunton Park but I’m probably the only person at Everton who is happy it is.”
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| Osman despairs as Everton missed out on a Wembley final at Manchester City on Wednesday |
That’s because Everton’s season is in danger of falling apart at the seams with manager Roberto Martinez coming under increasing scrutiny from fans who believe with the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Ross Barkley and John Stones in the line up the club is under achieving.
No one feels the hurt more than Osman who joined Everton in 1997. He knows it’s time to deliver some silverware.
“It's been vital for a long time now to be honest. We keep going really close, we've been semi-finalists a couple of times in the last few years (League Cup and FA Cup) and we got to the 2009 FA Cup final,” he added.
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| Osman celebrates with Louis Saha and Tim Cahill after they took the lead in the FA Cup final in 2009 |
“We're just not quite getting over the line but we're thankful after going out of the League Cup the other night in disappointing fashion we've got another opportunity to focus on.
“This game is on TV and that’s because it’s a potential banana skin for us. We've got to match their work rate and intensity, not be surprised by anything and hopefully go through on the day.”
Osman believes the Everton board should show Martinez the same loyalty they afforded his predecessor David Moyes.
He stated: “David Moyes’ tenure wasn’t always a straight line on the way up. There were dips and troughs, ups and downs, but the club seems to remain loyal to a manager, to give him enough time, and I wouldn’t expect that to be different now.
“Roberto has shown potential and we’re working towards something this season. If we’d have got to the League Cup final we’d be having different interviews and there’d be a different feel around the place.
“But we’re getting there. We’re close.”
With Brunton Park still recovering from the ravages of the flood Everton will be getting changed in a portacabin – all adding to the tapestry of FA Cup football.
Osman agrees. “Of course that's what makes the FA Cup what it is. It's not just the magic of the FA Cup on the field it's about being able to handle the differences off it.
“In the preparation, with the dressing room and everything that comes with it, makes the FA Cup exciting.”
The FA Cup is probably the last opportunity for the Goodison Park veteran to collect an overdue prized medal.
He revealed: “My contract is up in the summer. I’m still feeling good and that I’m contributing when I’m out on the pitch.
“I’ve been at Everton my whole career. I’m not going to sit here and say I’m never going to move but if there’s not an offer, I’m not going to finish just yet.
“No one is more determined than me to bring silverware to the club. I won the Youth Cup here when I was 17 and even then I got injured and missed the final second leg.”
To contribute to the Carlisle United fund visit https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/everton-fansforum.
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