The midfielder said he was grateful to his teammates and Everton's supporters for the support they had given him since the breakdown of his move to Crystal Palace
Dwight McNeil during the Premier League match between Everton and Burnley at Hill Dickinson Stadium on March 3. Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Dwight McNeil during the Premier League match between Everton and Burnley at Hill Dickinson Stadium on March 3. Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
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Dwight McNeil insists he will never forget the way Everton supporters rallied around him after his collapsed move to Crystal Palace.
The midfielder was minutes from leaving the Blues as the winter transfer window closed, only for the deal to break down under a cloud of confusion. The way in which the drama unfolded left McNeil and his partner, Megan Sharpley, upset as they questioned how Palace had handled the situation.
McNeil said his willingness to leave was based on a desire for more first team football and his positive response has led to him forcing his way back into David Moyes’ plans. His comeback was sealed at Hill Dickinson Stadium when he was given a standing ovation as he left the pitch in the final stages of the win over Burnley last month.
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That reaction from a fanbase that watched him score important goals in the relegation fight that marked his first season at the club and then lead Everton away from trouble after their points deductions the following season meant everything to the 26-year-old. He was also applauded by the away end - he rose through Burnley’s academy and became a first team regular at Turf Moor before leaving for Everton in the summer of 2022.
McNeil said: “It was nice. I didn't expect it. I thought I played well in the game, but to get that reception from the Everton fans and from the Burnley fans as well was really nice. I won't forget about it, it was something that I appreciate daily.”
Reflecting on a challenging season that initially saw him on the periphery of the squad, he told Everton club media: “It's been tough. It's been a different season, I think, not playing, and then maybe going somewhere, it was just purely to play football, because that's what I want to do. I'm at that age now where I just want to play.
“On the last day it didn't happen, but I think it was just the manner that happened and not hearing what went on. I'm still here, I'm enjoying myself and I've been fortunate to play the last few games.”
McNeil said he had loved his time at Everton and that his relationship with the dressing room was vital as he overcame the failed move. He namechecked Michael Keane as one of the teammates who had been most supportive.
Now, he said, his mindset is that he is still at Everton for a reason - and that he wants to make the most of the opportunities that have started to come his way. McNeil has started the last four games, three of which have led to wins that have moved Everton to the cusp of Europe.
McNeil said that is now the aim, for him and the club: “I think at the time it was difficult for me to get my head around it. It was difficult for Meg as well because she had the stuff going on off the pitch. We just said everything happened for a reason. I'm here and this is where we're focused, trying to help the team, if I'm playing or I'm not playing, just to help the team as best I can to try and get us in that European spot.”
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