Everton legend Tim Cahill’s son signs with Toffee’s academy
Tim Cahill’s Everton legacy will live on through his teenage son after the 14-year-old inked a deal with the club’s academy.
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For all those Socceroos fans waiting for the next Tim Cahill, he’s just signed with Everton’s academy.
Cahill’s teenage son Shae has put pen to paper with the Toffees, in a sizeable step towards a professional football career.
The 14-year-old central midfielder, born during his dad’s much-loved eight-year, 68-goal spell at Goodison Park, shared his big news via Instagram over the weekend.
“Happy to officially be a @everton player,” posted Shae, who has trained with Everton since he was 11.
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Cahill Senior also posted a photo of the former Socceroos striker witnessing his son’s memorable moment.
The post elicited congratulatory messages from several high-profile current and former players including John Terry, Nigel de Jong, Robbie Keane and Mile Jedinak, along with Australian cricketer Peter Siddle, former Wallaby Quade Cooper and ex-NRL player Beau Ryan.
“The journey is just about to begin @shaetc17,” Cahill wrote.
“Cherish this moment because this is all the hard work that you have put in up to now.
“I’m always here to help you follow your dreams but the dedication and sacrifice is all down to you.
“So proud of you and look forward to picking you up when your (sic) down, not just praising you when things are good ... welcome to the tough world of being a footballer my man.
“Time to work harder now and most importantly enjoy the process.”
Cahill, who retired in March after finishing his two-decade career in the Indian Premier League, has been living abroad with his wife and four kids but undertaking regular punditry work in the UK.
The 39-year-old has recently featured on BBC’s Match of the Day, and was part of Sky Sports’ Super Sunday English Premier League panel with Louis Saha and David Jones covering Everton’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham, during which midfielder Andre Gomes suffered a horrific leg break that left other players visibly distraught.
Son Heung-min, whose challenge tripped Gomes, was particularly distressed.
“FIRSTLY sending all my blessings to Andre Gomes,” Cahill posted.
“Tackle by Son was definitely not intentional and as a big BLUE myself I know he didn’t mean it.”
Cahill also weighed into the great video assistant referee debate, which is polarising the English Premier League and A-League.
“Finally VAR..... WOW where do we start,” he wrote.
“I honestly don’t know the rules anymore and if you can please comment and explain what is a penalty, offside and also handball...”
Originally published as Everton legend Tim Cahill’s son signs with Toffee’s academy