Dwight McNeil Burnley
Dwight McNeil, who was set to leave Everton at the end of the transfer window, has received widespread praise for his impactful return to David Moyes’ plans. This comes after his proposed move to Crystal Palace fell through, allowing him to make a significant contribution to Everton’s recent victories.
Dwight McNeil said: “It’s massive. I’ve loved playing for Everton, ever since I signed – from day one. I know how passionate the fans are and getting that reception from them was a really nice moment for me. I’m lost for words. It’s been an emotional evening for me and my family. I also want to thank the lads for how they were after what happened – and my partner, Meg, because I know she struggled as well afterwards but she was with me every step of the way. Having all of that support around me has been massive, and it’s given me that confidence back. I’m really happy. It’s been a difficult month but, for me, it was just about getting my head down, getting my head around it – it took me a couple of weeks to fully understand what went on – but I’ve just cracked on and tried to train as well as I can every day. I’ve been fortunate enough to start the past two games and I’m just happy to play well because I’ve missed that feeling. It’s nice to be back doing what I love.”
McNeil continued: “It’s been difficult since I joined the club – fighting relegation, but this season we’re looking up and that’s something I want to be part of going forward. I want to help the team get into a European spot. It’s definitely good [to have that new objective]. It’s a massive three points. We got a good result [over Newcastle] at the weekend and we knew this game was going to be massive to put us towards where we want to go this season. The gaffer told us how important it was, so now we’ve got to kick on again.”
McNeil’s return to the starting line-up was marked by his involvement in both goals during Everton’s 2-0 victory over his former club, Burnley, at Hill Dickinson Stadium. This performance came just days after he helped secure a win at Newcastle United, marking his first appearance since the collapse of his transfer to Crystal Palace. The failed move was a significant setback, as McNeil’s partner, Megan Sharpley, revealed on Instagram that the transfer ended without any explanation, leaving McNeil and his family in a difficult position.
Despite missing several games following the transfer saga, McNeil’s return to form has been a welcome boost for Everton. Under David Moyes, McNeil has been less prominent than during his time with Sean Dyche, but his recent performances suggest he could play a crucial role in Everton’s push for a European spot. The midfielder’s ambition aligns with the club’s goals, as they aim to build on recent successes and secure a place in European competitions.
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