Ashley Young made his debut as a pundit on Sky Sports last night and he had some glowing things to say about Everton and the work that Sean Dyche has done with the Blues this season.
The veteran joined Jamie Carragher in reviewing the performance of his former club, Manchester United, after they were drubbed 4-0 by Crystal Palace but it was his comments about Everton, whom he only joined last summer as a free agent, that will have been music to the ears of viewers of a Toffees persuasion.
Carragher asked him how things had been at Goodison during what has been a turbulent season that saw the Club hit with two separate points deductions while a tortuous takeover saga has rumbled on off the pitch since September, all set against the backdrop of the ongoing construction of the fabulous new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock.
“We’ve always said about Everton, the fans, the Club… it’s massive and I don’t think you actually realise that until you’re inside the Club,” Young replied.
“The manager has done a fantastic job [in the face of] points deductions and whatnot, but everything about the Club — the fans, the way they love the Club… You know, when you’re doing well, they’re so behind you that you just want to go out there and do well.
“It’s disappointing because of how the last few years have gone for the Club and where we found ourselves. Whereas, when you looked at previous teams at Everton, they were pushing towards the European places, mid-table and I can see that once things happen with the takeover … I can see the Club going back to where it should be.
“Quite a few of us have been to the [new] stadium and, like I say, you can see and feel how big the Club actually is and where the Club wants to get to — with the new stadium, with the manager, with Kev (Thelwell), the sporting director as well… they’ve all been fantastic for Everton Football Club.
“And there are some fantastic players there as well. I’ve never been in dressing rooms where, not just the dressing room but the staff, everybody… the way the manager has got the Club together is fantastic to see and it’s fantastic to be a part of.”