Andy Lonergan has spoken for the first time since joining Everton and revealed how a family camping holiday was disrupted as a result of the move.
Andy Lonergan said: “It [joining Everton] was a whirlwind for me. I’d gone camping with my family, something we’d not done before, so was in the Cotswolds on Wednesday, and I had a missed call. I called [goalkeeper coach] Alan Kelly and within 24 hours it was agreed – then I dashed back and signed on the Friday. If a club like this comes, a great club in the Premier League, it is a no-brainer. No one here [players] really knows me, so I have to make an impression. I want people to say, ‘He is a good goalkeeper’. The first thing you look at [joining a new club] is the goalkeeper coach and group of goalkeepers and you want to add to it. It is great to be working with that quality. Asmir is one of the best people I have met. I have known him six days and he has been brilliant, what a guy. Jordan is a proper good lad, we have good sessions and good craic, but we work hard and that is what is important. Kells’ CV speaks for itself, doesn’t it? He’s a great guy and works hard, you can have a chat with him about whatever you want. And, most importantly, he‘s a great goalkeeper coach.”
Lonergan nearly joined Everton from North End back in 2012, but he instead ended up signing up for Leeds United after Everton failed to agree a fee with the Championship club. But now nearly a decade on, the 37-year-old is delighted to be at the club and working under Benitez.
Andy Lonergan said: “He welcomed me on Friday morning when I came, then, after the meeting on Friday night in the hotel, he pulled me aside and had a chat with me. That is something people might think is quite common but in football it doesn’t really happen. For a guy of his stature to speak to me on a personal level was fantastic. I am looking forward to learning and listening to everything he has to say. The goal is to be successful and win as many games as we can. And, personally, to support everyone and, if needed, be ready and try to keep the level up. I’ve played a lot of football, not much over recent years, but as you get older your role changes and I think I can bring something to the dressing room. I train hard and love training and being around a successful group and, hopefully, we can be that this season.”
