Everton Album: Andrei Kanchelskis

An exclusive, in-depth chat with Andrei Kanchelskis.

How did the Manchester United team you played in compare to the Everton team you joined?

It was a bit different, of course, because Manchester United is a massive club that plays every season in the Champions League. But Everton had many good players too and I enjoyed my time there. Manchester United, many times, won titles and cups so, of course, that was the big difference.

What did you think of England and the way of life when you first moved to Manchester?

It was okay because it didn’t rain too much (laughs). I like England because it rains maybe, but it’s not cold. I liked playing when it was raining because the ground was very good for me. I enjoyed England and I still do. My son was born in Manchester; my girl was born in Glasgow. I have a lot of English and Scottish friends too so, yes, it’s good.

You watched from the sidelines as Everton beat Manchester United in the 1995 FA Cup final. Did that influence your decision to join the Club?

Yes, and also because Everton was close to my house. Then I still lived in Manchester. I spoke with Joe Royle and he said to me to come to Everton. He was convincing and this is why I moved to Everton.

What was Joe Royle like as a manager?

Joe is a great person and I liked working with him because he is a nice coach. I enjoyed my time working with him. He is a good, good, good, coach.

Like now, there were a lot characters in the dressing room weren’t there?

When I played we had a good team and a good atmosphere in the dressing room. Daniel Amokachi, Duncan Ferguson, Neville Southall; we had a good defence right across the back too. With Amokachi sometimes the coach didn’t pick him for the first team. This is normal life. Sometimes the manager says 'you’re on the bench', sometimes the coach says 'you’re playing in the first team'. It’s football life.

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