MOVING clubs to another country is often seen among the greatest upheavals in a player’s career.
Along with grappling the surrounds of a new club in a new league, it often requires a new outlook, a new ethos and a new way of thinking.
But from the moment Steven Naismith walked into Everton, he knew the transition from Rangers would be a straightforward one.
“As a player, I strive to give my best and work my hardest and I’d expect that from my team-mates,” says Naismith, who was unveiled at Finch Farm yesterday after signing a four-year contract.
“I expected that at Rangers and watching Everton they have got that.
VIDEO: Steven Naismith and David Moyes on the forward's arrival at EFC
“Everybody works for each other, not as individuals. They want to win as a team and be successful as a team.
“That’s a big draw to me. I’m in that same kind of mould. Speaking to the manager, he says a lot of things that I believe in.”
Naismith sparked a mad scramble for his signature last month when, with Rangers in financial meltdown, he refused to allow his contract to be transferred over to the new company running the club.
West Bromwich Albion, Wigan Athletic and Stoke City were all in the running but, once the 25-year-old met with Everton manager David Moyes, his mind was made up.
“It didn’t take long for the manager to convince me,” says the Scotland international. “I spoke to a few managers but speaking to the manager and people around Everton it was clear it was definitely the right club for me.
“It’s his presence. He has a good presence about him. When he walks in the room you know the manager is there. You can go and chat to him. He will bring you on as a player.
“The way he works is a factor for me. He expects 100% and that’s what I do as well. It definitely looks like a good match.
“There are a lot of great folk here, similar to Rangers, that can tell you a lot about the history and hopefully over the next weeks and months I can learn about the club that I don’t know and become a fan.”
Naismith forged a fruitful understanding with Nikica Jelavic before the Croat moved to Goodison, and his former strike partner and ex-Rangers team-mate David Weir were both influential in prompting his transfer.
“I have heard a lot from various people who have been in contact with the club over the last few years and there are some great guys in the squad,” says Naismith.
“I spoke to Nikica and David Weir especially. He has been a big part of my career and he told me I would love it and his words mean a lot to me.”
