An exclusive interview with midfielder James Garner headlines a bumper matchday programme for Everton’s clash with Fulham at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off BST).
Pick up a copy of the programme, priced £4, around the ground or, alternatively, click here to order a copy online.
A hard-working midfielder with an impressive range of passing, Garner has represented England through the age groups and showed his leadership qualities when he captained the Under-17s to the semi-finals of the 2018 European Under-17 Championship.
Life with the Blues so far has been stop-start, with a back injury sustained in November forcing him on the sidelines before returning off the bench for Everton’s past two matches.
Now fully fit and raring to go, Garner is eager to show Evertonians – and manager Sean Dyche – what he is all about.
“I have settled in well at the Club but I have to admit there have been tough moments, too,” he admits. “I signed under one manager, then I got injured, meaning I couldn’t show the new manager what I could do straight away.
“I’m getting stronger every week and training every day now, which helps. I’ve come on the past two games and I’m just pushing now for that start and to help the team.
“The new boss is a straight talker and I like that. He’s brought in some new ideas and a new way of playing, and I think you can see the benefits with the results we’ve been getting.
“We’ve been going toe-to-toe with some of the best teams in the league. Last weekend at United was obviously a tough day, but overall, it’s been good.
“Now I am back, I think I am adapting well. It’s all about impressing him from here and trying to secure more minutes.”
Before looking ahead, Garner is asked whether that frustrating period in the treatment room has taught him anything new about himself.
He pauses for a moment and ponders the question before revealing: “I think I have learnt more about myself. As in, I think if I was to suffer a setback like that again, I’d be better prepared to deal with it. Although, I hope I am never in that situation again.
“You come back from such an injury physically stronger, but you also come back mentally stronger, too. That time out of the game, you can focus on yourself and your mindset.
“I feel like I am more professional. I’d like to think I have always been professional, but now, even more so. What I mean by that is I don’t want to risk being injured again. So, things I have maybe overlooked previously, like going to the gym earlier or stretching off after a session, I am now doing. I know how important that side of the game is. It’s what I was doing in my rehab and now it gives me a platform to have the best chance not to suffer injuries again.”
To read the interview in full, pick up a copy of the programme around the ground on Saturday, or click here to order a copy online.
Elsewhere, there's an interview with Megan Finnegan who opens up on her delight at signing a new Everton deal, plus a detailed and captivating tribute to the 1962/63 title-winning Everton side.
Sean Dyche and Seamus Coleman write their programme notes, while there is a tribute to the 97 innocent Liverpool fans who passed away in the Hillsborough tragedy 34 years ago.
For all this and more, click here to pick up your copy now.
