FOR a period of two-and-a-half, maybe three years, Tim Cahill was undeniably Everton’s most influential player.

He was another of those rough diamonds plucked by David Moyes from the lower divisions and polished into a valuable gem.

He did the same with Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka, while Mikel Arteta was under the radar at Glasgow Rangers when he came to Everton and sparkled.

But Cahill’s impact was so significant that David Moyes even altered the team’s style of play to accommodate him and utilise his ability to arrive late in opposition penalty areas to its fullest extent.

A record of 68 goals in 278 Everton appearances – a remarkable 29 of them the only goal of the game – underlined his value to the Everton cause.

But while Cahill’s influence was great at Goodison, his career is now heading for its twilight years and the time is probably right for all concerned to part company.

Cahill will leave while his reputation amongst Evertonians is still high, his departure will give David Moyes the chance to bring in another younger player, maybe even another unpolished gem from the lower divisions, while Cahill will get one last big payday in a league where he can probably still have a significant impact.

It’s a win win situation and certainly not one for Evertonians to have any concerns about.

I suspect Reds fans will be breathing a sight of relief too! There were a couple of teams that Cahill seemed to particularly relish scoring against.

Manchester City were one, but Liverpool also suffered on more than a handful of occasions at his head and feet!

Cahill has been an excellent servant for Everton Football Club for eight years – and he leaves the Blues with deserved tributes ringing in his ears.