Dwight McNeil has revealed Everton supporters are giving him extra motivation to be a success at the club - and believes the Blues must ensure they are hard to beat moving forward.
McNeil struggled under former Everton manager Frank Lampard following his summer move from Burnley. The winger arrived at Goodison Park for an undisclosed fee.
However, following the arrival of his former Burnley boss Sean Dyche in January, McNeil started to show he could be a key figure for Everton moving forward. He scored five times and claimed two assists in 18 games as the Blues battled their way to Premier League safety.
McNeil’s performances were so impressive in the second half of the campaign that Evertonians created a song to the tune of 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)' by Sylvester in his honour.
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"I feel like Scousers are full of energy all of the time," he told evertontv. "It’s a great energy to be around.
"They’re so passionate about this club, and I know that to so many people, this club is their lives. That’s a powerful thing.
"There are a lot of Evertonians who work in the club, too, so of course you want to do it for yourself, but it gives you that extra drive to do it for them as well."
Asked about the song, he replied: "Now when I hear the normal song, all I hear in my head is the words the fans have come up with! I love it. I think it’s a class song!
"My family enjoys it, too. My mum and my missus, in particular. When you’re playing well and you get friends sending videos of the song or the fans singing it, it’s a really good feeling."
McNeil was also asked about his early Everton memories and revealed one of the first times he watched the Blues in action was as a 12-year-old when he watched his boyhood club Manchester United draw 4-4 with David Moyes’ side at Old Trafford.
"My earliest memories of Everton was the team when David Moyes was the manager," he revealed.
"Being a Man United fan as a kid, I always remember the games against Everton being really competitive ones, and I liked that.
"The one that sticks out was the 4-4 at Old Trafford. I remember watching it at home with my family, who are big United fans, especially my dad.
"I still remember the goals: Jelavic, Fellaini, Pienaar... There were some good players like that, and they had a really good team. They were strong and always had good organisation.
"I also remember coming to Finch Farm to play Everton's Academy. It had the same feel… You knew it was going to be a big game, really competitive and tough, whenever you came up against Everton. That should always be the case."
