Match preview: Reading v Everton (Madjeski Stadium, 3pm)

Aug 18 2007

THERE comes a point in the career of many an unsung hero when, such is the growing recognition for his contribution, the mantle must be handed on to someone else.

However, Lee Carsley admits he was perilously close to passing on the entire role of Everton’s silent midfield assassin during the summer.

If things had turned out differently, the Republic of Ireland international may have been lining up against his Goodison team-mates for Wigan Athletic on the opening day of the season.

Instead, Carsley will take his place alongside Phil Neville in the heart of Everton’s midfield this afternoon as David Moyes’s table-topping team aim to extend their 100% start to the campaign with victory at Reading.

After helping the Goodison side to sixth place and UEFA Cup qualification last season, Carsley reached the end of his contract and was considering a one-year extension.

Yet following a temporary breakdown in communication between the parties and keen for his future to be resolved as soon as possible, the 33-year-old’s head was turned by an offer from Wigan.

Some hard bargaining and one improved offer later, Carsley – who arrived from Coventry City in February 2002 – had reaffirmed his commitment to Everton by another 12 months.

But the midfield concedes: “I came close to going. There was a week after the season finished through no fault of myself or the gaffer when it went a bit crazy. I was away and the gaffer was away and there was a lot of interest. I had a medical (at Wigan) and had talks with them. I spoke to quite a lot of clubs.

“It was quite a rush and I just wanted everything sorted. Probably I should have been a bit more patient, but luckily enough it worked out in the end.

A lot was going on at Everton. Obviously they were trying to sign new players. It was never a case that I wanted to go, but it was dragging on.

“It makes you feel good to have had the chance to play for a club like Everton. I realised in the summer that the chance of playing for a club of this size in front of the fans and with the passion is not something that comes along every day.

“Any player at this club realises how much it means. It is not something to take lightly or think of walking away from.”

Manager Moyes was keen for Carsley to stay, but had no issue with the player putting his family’s welfare first during the latter stages of his career.

“Cars knows this is the place where he is loved,” says Moyes. “We want him here because he is a good player and good to have around the club.

“He had to do what was best for his family and wanted the best deal, and I do not have a problem with that. I certainly don’t have a problem rewarding the good guys.”

Compared to the likes of Mikel Arteta, Andrew Johnson and Joleon Lescott, Carsley’s earthy contribution is often overlooked.

And although it’s been a common theme during his days at Derby County, Blackburn Rovers and Coventry City, the player himself remains nonplussed at the lack of recognition.

“Throughout my career it’s always been the same and that’s the way it suits me,” he says. “As long as I’m playing that’s enough. I’m happy to get on with it.

“I’m not fussed about playing the star and doing a few stepovers. I’m happy doing my bit. I know what my strengths are. I know what I bring to the team. I have to give the ball to Mikel and Ossie. They are out match-winners.

“I don’t feel valued or under-valued.

I’ve always had a good relationship with the manager. He makes me feel I’m appreciated.

“There’s a lot more to life than football. I’m not really fussed about accolades as long as the wife and kids are happy.”

Moyes concurs. “Cars, along with Phil Neville, go on with their business week-in, week-out.

“They might not always be the most pleasing on the eye but they are a vital cog in the wheel and we need them. It gives Mikel Arteta the chance to go and produce, and will give Steven Pienaar the chance when he comes in.”

Of Everton’s fine start to the new campaign, Carsley adds: “It’s fantastic. We had two tough games. Wigan are a hard-working team, similar to ourselves and it’s always difficult in the opening game.

“It wasn’t the best of games, but to get the three points and then beat Spurs was a boost.”

Carsley played all but 43 minutes of last season for Everton, a figure which, given their European commitments, the Irishman is unlikely to replicate this season.

Increased competition for places in the middle of the park will mean Steven Pienaar and Manuel Fernandes having their turn to perform.

And while Carsley lauds the virtues of the continuity that was the bedrock of Everton’s success last season, he concedes rotation will be necessary if Moyes’s side are to remain competitive throughout the season.

One of the big things at the club is that we’ve not got a massive squad so you have a run of games and that builds confidence,” he says. “Basically you know every week who’s going to be next to you.

“I’m not sure how I would handle rotation, but that’s the way it’s going. The gaffer has said if we do well we could play 60 games. Last season I played 40-odd and that was hard enough. I would appreciate an occasional rest. If you want to keep the quality up you have to rest at the right time.

“I think this could be the best squad I’ve ever been involved with. Everywhere you look there’s good players. The competition is the highest I’ve ever known.

“We’ve not set any targets yet. The manager is still trying to get a couple more players in. Every season we try to do better than the season before. We would definitely take finishing in the top six.”

Should Everton achieve that goal, expect Carsley to have figured more than most.