Neill trusted his feelings

Former West Ham defender hails Everton opportunity

Last updated: 18th September 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Neill trusted his feelings

Neill: Right feelings

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New Everton defender Lucas Neill has revealed that he moved to Goodison Park because the club gave him "the right feeling".

The Australia right-back was without a club for two full months after he rejected the offer of a contract renewal with former club West Ham.

Since becoming a free-agent, the 31-year-old has attracted interest from many overseas clubs and began to contemplate a move abroad.

But Neill finally settled on an offer from Everton, citing first-team opportunities as the reason behind his decision.

"It was tough (waiting) but it was about making the right decision. It was really worth the wait," he said.

Impact

"It was all about being at a club where I knew I was going to get an opportunity to play and make an impact and further myself as a player.

"My gut feeling was strong about this one and I'm delighted about it. The manager didn't have to sell the club to me, it was all about the opportunities I would have in the squad and what he wanted me to do as a player.

"The moment I ran out of contract I wanted to get back into it but it was about having the right feeling.

"I was prepared to wait as long as it took to get that feeling. Would I like to have signed for Everton two months ago? Of course, but these things don't always work out when you want them to.

"There was a lot of waiting for phone calls and meetings, getting offers and talking it over with my family and here we are.

"For a long time I was thinking: 'Do I want a new challenge, new lifestyle and learn a new language?'.

Change

"I was really turned on by doing that and for the first month of the off-season that was all I was thinking about.

"But as the offers were coming in I got the feeling: 'Do I want to change everything coming up to a World Cup or do I stick to what I know?'."

The former Blackburn player has been touted for a debut against his old club on Sunday but admitted that he is not yet at full match-fitness.

"Obviously (I'm) not match fit having not played recently, but (I've) been training twice a day every day and sending all the information back to my Australian fitness coach for the past two months," he added on Sky Sports News.

"I feel in good nick but I'm sure it's going to take some time before I get up to speed with a very fit squad here.

"I know that from the past, whenever I've played against them that they are a very fit side and pride themselves on being fit and I need to get up to that level."