SOME ADVICE from Manchester United team-mate and former Toffees striker Wayne Rooney helped convince new Everton midfielder Darron Gibson to move to Goodison Park in a deal worth £500,000.
Frustration at not getting first-team chances at Old Trafford played a significant part but the 24-year-old said after speaking to the England international – and then Everton duo Phil Neville and Tim Cahill – his mind was made up.
“I was speaking to Wayne about it a bit, and after that and coming to see the facilities it was an easy decision,” Gibson, who is in the squad to face Aston Villa today, told local radio reporters.
“He told me it was a great club and he really enjoyed his time and the people here.
“Having a word with him and people like Tim Cahill and Phil Neville convinced me to come.”
Gibson has signed a 4½-year contract for a reported fee of €1.2 million, rising to €2.4 million on appearances.
He made 60 appearances in six years at United but knew he had little future at Old Trafford when Alex Ferguson decided to bring Paul Scholes out of retirement.
The 37-year-old, who quit the game last season, was brought back on a short-term deal to provide cover for an injury-stricken midfield and came off the bench in last weekend’s 3-2 FA Cup third round victory at Manchester City.
“I was very frustrated. It was hard for me at times,” the Republic of Ireland international added.
“I think when I did get a chance I did well, and obviously I was getting left out afterwards and I was playing one or two games here and there.
“When Scholesy came back the manager told me I was free to go.
“Everton had shown some interest a month beforehand and the gaffer wanted me in, so it went from there.
“It was very frustrating but I think it was the right time for me to move on and I’m looking forward to my time here.
“I’m really looking forward to kicking on now.
“When everyone’s fit it’s a great squad and hopefully me coming in can improve the team a bit and we’ll start to kick on from here.
“I have been at United since I was 15, so this is the first proper move I have had, so it is very exciting.
“David Moyes is a great manager and has shown that over the past few years.
“His teams have been good despite not having a lot of money, so I’m really looking forward to working under him.”
Gibson is known for being able to find the net and work the goalkeeper, and that is something Everton are crying out for, but he hopes to be able to offer other qualities to the side too.
“I have not had a run of games properly so when I get into the swing of things I can bring a lot of things,” he said.
“It’s a great club with great fans and hopefully I can improve Everton.
“I think I’m a goalscoring midfielder, and hopefully I can get a few goals.
“I’ve scored a few long-range shots – I don’t think I’ve scored one inside the box, to be honest – and if I score goals it’s a bonus for me.
“I’m just looking to do as well as I can for the team.”
Gibson also hopes the chance of more regular football will improve his international opportunities, especially with Euro 2012 on the horizon this summer.
“I wasn’t playing at United which meant it was hard for the international manger to pick me,” he added.
“But once I start playing here hopefully he’ll have no choice but to pick me.”
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