Everton new boy happy to see old hands pledging future to club

Jul 9 2007 by Richard Williamson, Liverpool Daily Post

Phil Jagielka holds an Everton shirt at Bellefield after signing for Everton. Picture courtesy of EvertonFC.com _320

NEW BOY Phil Jagielka, (Picture courtesy EvertonFC.com), believes it is the deals that have tied two other players to the club that show Everton are heading in the right direction.

The former member of the Goodison Park youth set-up is delighted to be back after his £4million switch from Sheffield United – but is equally pleased to see midfielders Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill pledge their futures to the team.

Both players were linked with other clubs, including a return to Spain for Arteta and a move back to London for Cahill, but instead that have signed contract extensions keeping them both until 2012.

“It was nice to see them both sign because there were rumours circulating they were not going to sign new contracts,” Jagielka said after teaming up with his new colleagues for the first time on the short trip to Scotland last week.

“I think it underlines the ambition of the club to see them both tied down for another five years. They are fantastic players and will only get better which signals Everton is a club that is going places.”

Jagielka is also happy to be back in the Premiership so quickly after suffering the agonies of relegation.

“The way Sheffield United got relegated has definitely given me the hunger to be in the Premiership,” he said. “When I knew the gaffer was interested in me my mind was made up.”

Meanwhile Andy van der Meyde insists he has not given up on making the breakthrough at Everton. The Dutch winger has endured a torrid time since his transfer from Inter in August 2005 with his struggles to establish himself in the first team matched by problems off the field.

“I have not had the best times of times at Everton,” admitted van der Meyde. “I know I can do better. I have been unlucky with injuries and I am trying to start afresh.

“I am passionate about football and it is frustrating when you have been training all week not to play on the Saturday – but that is football. The only person to blame is myself and I will do better.”