- Failed Palace move left McNeil heartbroken before reclaiming starting role.
- Teammates helped him recover focus after the deadline day deal collapsed.
- Now targeting Euro qualification, he appreciates recent support of Evertonians.
Dwight McNeil has endured a rollercoaster 2026. A failed deadline‑day move to Crystal Palace left him and his partner heartbroken, with the deal collapsing in the final hours without explanation. But rather than let the disappointment define his season, the 26‑year‑old has fought his way back into David Moyes’ starting XI and is now helping Everton push for European football.
In a candid interview with Everton, McNeil opened up about his Crystal Palace move and his resurgence since.
Dwight McNeil: ‘It’s been a different season’
Asked how tough the last few months have been, Dwight McNeil did not hide his frustration.
“It’s been tough. It’s been a different season, I think, not playing, and then maybe going somewhere, it was just purely to play football, because that’s what I want to do. I’m at that age now where I just want to play.”
The collapse of the Crystal Palace move left him in limbo. “On the last day it didn’t happen, but I think it was just the manner that happened and not hearing what went on. I’m still here, I’m enjoying myself and I’ve been fortunate to play the last few games.
“I’ve enjoyed it, I’ve loved being at the club since I’ve joined. I think the lads have been a massive help as well when I came back in on that day.”
He reflected on the timing of the failed move. “I think at the time it was difficult for me to get my head around it. It was difficult for Meg as well because she had the stuff going on off the pitch. We just said everything happened for a reason. I’m here and this is where we’re focused, trying to help the team, if I’m playing or I’m not playing, just to help the team as best I can to try and get us in that European spot.”
‘Football can change so quickly’
Dwight McNeil acknowledged the speed at which fortunes can turn. “Yeah, it’s mad. It’s a mad world, football! It can change so quickly. A month ago, [I was] not getting a kick. Now I’ve played the last few games and I’ve enjoyed it, it’s just changed so quickly.”
He credited his teammates for supporting him through the difficult period. “Keano and a couple of the other lads are really close to me and I spoke to them as soon as it happened. They were really good and then when I came in they just made me feel at home again, so I appreciate what they did for me as well.”
On Everton’s European ambitions, McNeil revealed the mindset instilled by Moyes. “I think a big emphasis came from the gaffer in pre-season. We’re trying to look up rather than down. Now, with the position that we’re in, I think we’re just taking it a game at a time. We want to get into Europe, but the focus is the game at the time.”
The standing ovation he received against his former club Burnley, remains a cherished memory. “It was nice. I didn’t expect it. I thought I played well in the game, but to get that reception from the Everton fans and from the Burnley fans as well was really nice. I won’t forget about it, it was something that I appreciate daily.”
For McNeil, the focus now is clear. Help Everton secure European football and put the January nightmare firmly behind him.
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