Everton FC captain Phil Neville celebrates his goal against West Brom
HE IS rarely prone to hyperbole but just four months ago David Moyes described Phil Neville as “unbelievable.”
The Everton manager was expressing his near incredulous sense of admiration for the qualities which have long been synonymous with the Blues’ captain.
Neville had just declared himself fit three weeks ahead of schedule after a knee operation which initially raised fears of a two-month spell on the side-lines.
For many players it would have meant just that. Not Neville.
That was around Christmas, with the skipper’s 36th birthday still weeks away. But his usual ferocious work ethic and personal discipline had proved the club medical staff overly conservative in their initial prognosis.
Neville is slavish to his trade. He rises daily at 5am for rigorous yoga sessions aimed at maintaining his body’s flexibility, before ensuring he is the first at the club’s Finch Farm training ground. Ever the example.
The challenge of rehabilitation was grasped with the indomitable mantra he regularly extols on his lively Twitter page: ‘Attack the Day.’
The early return typified what Neville brought to Everton when he signed at a pivotal point in Moyes’ era in summer 2005; top-class professionalism, drive, infectious motivational powers and leadership by example.
No wonder Moyes was so continually impressed by the former Manchester United veteran. A manager could hardly ask for a better captain.
It is a shame that Neville’s tenure with the armband has never featured a cup victory.
Along with the long-suffering supporters, he deserved his moment of glory. But there will be many fond highlights; that tackle on Cristiano Ronaldo, ice-cool penalties in crunch FA Cup ties against Manchester United and Chelsea, and scorching goals against West Brom and Wolves. He didn’t shoot often – but when Neville did (usually to the jokey beckoning of the Gwladys Street) he was capable of striking with explosive power and accuracy.
So why is Neville now sidelined on the decree of the very man who holds him in such high esteem?
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