Joining Everton was the ‘most stressful day’ of James Garner’s life, but 16 months later he is reaping the rewards of leaving boyhood club Manchester United.
Garner had been at United since the age of seven, so his decision to seek a fresh start in 2022 was important, especially as the £15m move to Goodison Park took place on deadline day with the clock ticking.
From a bit player at Old Trafford, the 22-year-old midfielder has now become one of Sean Dyche’s main men.
And because Everton is only outside the relegation places on goal difference, he is key against Aston Villa at home on Sunday.
“It’s always difficult to leave a club that is considered one of the best in the world, but I knew it was right,” Garner reflects.
James Garner is enjoying 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
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‘I feel I have proven to those who didn’t believe in me on that side, but more importantly to myself, that I can play in the Premier League week in, week out.
‘I have had conversations with Erik ten Hag. I was coming off the back of a good season on loan at Nottingham Forest (promotion winning) so I didn’t want to stagnate and sit on the bench again.
‘When United signed midfielders (Casemiro, Eriksen, Antony), you kind of understood where you were.
‘The manager was honest and said nothing was promised, so I decided to look for first-team football. I could have trained comfortably with all my friends there, but if I don’t play, I’m not happy.
‘Deadline day was probably one of the most stressful days of my life. You have to do your medical care on time and all that. I think it was within the last hour that the deal was completed. I remember coming home after midnight so I was late at the training field.’
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 had to play catch-up to impress the new boss.
This season everything was right. Garner relishes the responsibility as his energy, creativity and versatility have given Blues supporters hope in difficult times.
He 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 is receiving feedback from United fans who say they wish he stayed at the club
“This is my first proper season in the Premier League,” said Garner, who made seven senior appearances for United. ‘I have maintained a good standard. Now I want to add more goals and assists.
‘I had done The Championship for Forest but wanted to compete personally against the best players in the world. I feel like I’m more than just holding my own and haven’t yet reached the player I know I can be.
“When the manager came in I got injured and he got to see the other boys first, so I had to prove myself.
‘My best friend is Angel Gomes, who left United for Lille under similar circumstances. He always says you have to stand on your own abilities, and that’s what I do.’
Garner still lives in Manchester and with United struggling, he is receiving feedback from fans that they wish he had stayed. There are similarities to how Manchester City fans think when they see ‘one of them’ Cole Palmer doing well at Chelsea.
“They always give you their little comments and stuff, but look, I’m happy where I am,” he says.
“The manager, like any manager, has his philosophy that the boys have to adhere to. But he is not naive when it comes to the fact that 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 has flourished under Everton manager Sean Dyche
‘If 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 like 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 as a referee that went badly against us,” Garner notes of the original decision.
Strikingly, Everton’s final league match produced one of their worst performances of the season – a 3-0 defeat at Wolves. Although they have since earned a goalless draw at Selhurst Park, there is work to be done to climb out of harm’s way.
“We came away from it a bit at Wolves, whether that was our legs because of three games that week. But we put things right against Palace, we have the game on Sunday and I think we are ready for that.”