DAVID MOYES believes that the timing of Phil Neville’s departure is right for Everton – but insists it was the skipper who made the final decision to call time on his Goodison career.
Neville will end his eight-year spell at the club in June when his contract expires, after talks with his manager made him aware he would no longer be a regular member of the first team.
And although Moyes believes the time is right for him to begin rebuilding an ageing side, he would have been keen for the 36-year-old to stay on as part of the coaching staff.
He said: “We had a few conversations. I think Phil is at a time now where I’m not sure he would play all the games for us.
“He has a little bit of a problem with a knee injury that he has to look after as well, so in our conversations that was reflected.
“Phil has decided now to continue playing and I am delighted for him. I think it's what he should do.
“It was Phil who came more to the conclusion. It was his decision rather than my decision over what he wanted to do.
“He knows that if he wants to be part of the staff here he is more than welcome, he really is.
“He has been here for eight years and he has been great. He has been a big powerful influence and a big help to me in my job.
“I just think this is the right time for Everton.”
Moyes also challenged the veteran to emulate David Weir by extending his playing career at the top level, even if it will not be on Merseyside.
“I look at Davie Weir,” said the Blues boss.
“I let Davie Weir go at a similar age and he went on to play for I don't know how many more years and in a European final, so if Phil needs to look at anyone it is Davie Weir and how well he has done.”
Moyes added that former Manchester United midfielder exceeded expectations after signing for the club in 2005.
He said: “He's certainly been a big part of the progress we've made.
“We needed a different type of player to come in.
“We got Phil and I think he's surpassed what I thought he could do.
“He could play at full-back or in midfield and that gave us opportunities to be versatile with him.
“His leadership qualities, as I've said before, have been excellent.”
