Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil give their first interviews after Everton and Crystal Palace complete a swap deal.
It was confirmed on Tuesday morning (11 August) that Brennan is going to Everton and McNeil has headed to Crystal Palace, both signing four year deals.
McNeil had agreed to sign for Palace in February, but the loan-to-buy deal which would turn into a £20m permanent move this summer fell through.
it was said that he left devastated and in tears on transfer deadline day, after Palace failed to complete the necessary paperwork in time, despite McNeil having a medical with agreements in place.
His girlfriend took to her Instagram, publishing an emotional story in which she took aim at the “cruel” football industry for playing with players’ emotions and mental health.
Dwight McNeil’s partner slams Crystal Palace for ‘messing’ with his mental health
Brennan Johnson told evertontv: “I’m so excited to be here. The Club speaks for itself – it’s a massive club and one that when I first heard of the interest, I immediately wanted to come and be part of it.
“There were a lot of reasons why I was so keen to join – the manager, the players, the direction the team is going in. You can see this is a club that wants to go in the right direction, and I’m a player who wants to go in that direction, too, so it feels like a really good match.
“I want to come in and show what I can do. The manager spoke to me about getting back to the form that I’ve shown previously, and that’s a massive thing for me – the fact he knows and believes in what I can do. For me, listening to him – a manager who is so experienced and someone who has been so successful – it was really nice to hear.
“I want to bring all of my attributes. First and foremost, I’ll work for the team, the fans, and represent the Club properly. I know that’s something that’s definitely appreciated and a non-negotiable here. They can expect that from me. On top of that, I think I can bring speed, goals and everything I’ve got.
“The incredible fanbase that Everton has, whether it’s home or away, is something I’ve always felt. It’s a massive honour to be here and play for them now.”
Johnson added: “I’ve had some personal moments against Everton in the past and I think for those reasons, the Club has always had a little place in my heart.
“My first Premier League goal came at Goodison Park, so that was very special to me. I remember watching so many Premier League games before that, so to score my first goal in an iconic stadium like that, in a big atmosphere, was incredible.
“Now there’s a new stadium, which is unbelievable, and one that I played at last season. I remember it being a fierce atmosphere. It’s intimidating, it’s hostile – and it’s everything you’d want from a new stadium. A lot of clubs that move into new stadiums struggle to regain the atmosphere they had before but what I experienced there last year was amazing.
“This club has everything to get back into European competition. As players, I think we have to put pressure on ourselves to get the Club back there, because that’s what the Club and the fans deserve to have.
“Everton is a club that has the ambition to win those trophies – and I believe we can do it.”
Dwight McNeil said in his first interview with Palace TV: “I’m really happy to be here, and looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“The lads have had some success over the last two seasons, so I’m really looking forward to meeting them and cracking on.
“With winning the FA Cup, and then last season winning the Conference League, and now this season they’re in the Europa League… it’s something I want to be a part of, so I’m really looking forward to getting started.
“I’ve played a lot of games. I’m still 26 and I want to play a lot more games in the Premier League. Over the years, I’ve definitely matured within myself and I want to bring my experience to the lads and help the team as best I can.
“I still think there’s a lot more to come from me – and that’s why I’ve come here: because I think Crystal Palace will get the best out of me.”
He continued: “I’m really looking forward to it.
“It’s funny, I’ve always loved playing against Palace, especially at Selhurst Park! Even though it’s a bit weird, I’ve enjoyed them scoring because I do enjoy the chant that they’ve got after they score.
“It’s probably my favourite chant in football, to be honest! I’m really looking forward to playing in front of them.”
On his role at Palace: “I think my left foot’s decent! I’ve got a decent left foot!
“I try to impact games, and try to score, try to assist. Also, I think hard work as well off the ball – I’m very, very diligent as well.
“I went and had a conversation with the Manager about where he sees me playing and where he sees me fitting in, and it made me feel really good. It’s definitely something I wanted to be a part of.
“I’ll just try and fit in the best I can. I know I’ll give everything for this club.”
Here’s how fans reacted after Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil give their first interviews with Everton and Palace completing a swap deal…
@clemo1973: Good Luck Dwight, we can only wish him well. Scored some important goals for us.
@dancon73: You’ve signed an absolute gem. Burnley legend. Good luck, Dwight.
@flatericisdead: Good luck Dwight. Always managed to score important goals for the blues. Sad to see you go 👍
@vikingsEFC1969: Good luck Dwight, thanks for everything at Everton 💙
@eagleeyedball: Dwight McNeil is the Will Hughes of Michael Olise’s
@davidpick1987: Players like this seem to move every year. They’re just about good enough to be in a relegation battle but they’re too expensive for the Championship so they just float between a certain selection of teams as squad players. It’s a helluva racket.
@PaulCarrott3: Nothing but love and respect for Dwight, I think he stood up for us when we needed him and has remained professional throughout some tough times 🫡 but I’m buzzing with this signing. Loved Brennan at Lincoln, if we can get him back to his Tottenham form we’ve got a gem.
@KevTweetEFC: A great chance for this guy to resurrect his career… the crowd will love you if you show 💯 commitment that’s all we’ll ever ask! And as for Dwight… a great fella who saved us when we were at our worst, it was time, but wish him and his family nothing but the best.
@toffeehaz: Very meh. Happy for DM to get his move, and respect to him. I would have much rather had the cash and get a bigger improvement though. Hopefully Johnson hits the ground running, and proves me wrong
