Joining Everton was the ‘most stressful day’ of James Garner’s life but 16 months on he’s reaping the benefits of leaving boyhood club, Manchester United.
Garner had been with United from the age of seven so his decision to seek a fresh start in 2022 was major, particularly as the £15million move to Goodison Park took place on deadline day with the clock ticking.
From being a bit-part player at Old Trafford, the 22-year-old midfielder is now one of Sean Dyche’s main men.
And with Everton outside the relegation places only on goal difference, he will be key at home to Aston Villa on Sunday.
‘It’s always tough to leave a club deemed one of the best in the world but I knew it was right,’ reflects Garner.
James Garner is relishing being a key player for Everton after leaving Manchester United
Garner described his move to Everton in 2022 as one of the most stressful days of his life
After coming through the academy at United Garner made seven first-team appearances
‘I feel I’ve proven to those who didn’t believe in me over that side but more importantly to myself that I can play in the Premier League week-in, week-out.
‘I had conversations with Erik ten Hag. I’d just come off the back of a good season on loan with Nottingham Forest (winning promotion) so didn’t want to stagnate and sit on the bench again.
‘When United started signing midfielders (Casemiro, Eriksen, Antony), you kind of understand your place.
‘The manager was honest and said nothing was promised so I decided to find first-team football. I could have been comfortable training with all my mates there but if I’m not playing, I’m not happy.
‘Deadline day was probably one of the most stressful days of my life. You have to do your medical in time and stuff. I think it was within the last hour the deal was completed. I remember getting home after midnight so I was at the training ground late.’
Unfortunately, a back injury prevented Garner from giving his best to the manager who signed him, Frank Lampard. When Dyche took over last January, he was still sidelined and needed to play catch-up to impress the new boss.
This season, everything has clicked. Garner is enjoying the responsibility as his energy, creativity and versatility has given Blues supporters hope during troubled times.
He’s already scored against Villa in a Carabao Cup win in September.
After impressing in the Championship with Nottingham Forest Garner wanted to play in the Premier League
Garner gets feedback from United fans who say that they wish he stayed at the club
‘This is like my first proper season in the Premier League,’ says Garner, who made seven senior appearances for United. ‘I’ve stayed at a good standard. Now I want to add more goals and assists.
‘I’d done it The Championship for Forest but personally wanted to compete against the best players in the world. I feel I’m more than standing my ground and haven’t yet reached the player I know I can be.
‘When the manager came in, I was injured and he got to see the other lads first, so I had to prove myself.
‘My closest mate is Angel Gomes who left United for Lille in similar circumstances. He always says you need to back your own ability, which is what I do.’
Garner still lives in Manchester and with United struggling gets feedback from fans that they’d wish he’d stayed. There are similarities with how Manchester City fans feel about seeing “one of their own” Cole Palmer doing well at Chelsea.
‘They always give you their little comments and stuff but, look, I’m happy where I am now,’ he says.
‘The manager has his philosophy, like any manager, which the lads have to stick to. But he’s not naive to the fact he has players who like to dribble and create chances.
Garner says his situation is similar to that of Angel Gomes (L), who left United for Lille
This season Garner is thriving under the guidance of Everton manager Sean Dyche
‘When you get into the right areas, of course he allows everyone to express themselves. He does want you to create and be free. I feel an important part of the team.’
Everton will have striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin available after a successful appeal against his red card in the FA Cup at Crystal Palace – ‘just another day of officiating gone bad against us’ remarks Garner about the original decision.
Pertinently, Everton’s last league game produced one of their worst performances of the season, a 3-0 defeat at Wolves. Though they earned a goalless draw at Selhurst Park since, there is work to be done to climb away from the danger zone.
‘We came off it a little bit at Wolves, whether that was our legs going because of three games that week. But we put things right against Palace, we’ve got the game on Sunday and I think we’re ready for that.’
