YOU WON’T BE A PASSENGER
Sam sweet-talks Walcott into revving up his career
THEO WALCOTT quit Arsenal for Everton after Sam Allardyce convinced him he can revive his career at Goodison Park.
It may seem an unlikely alliance but it was the chance to play for Allardyce and the Toffees boss’ enthusiasm that persuaded him to leave the Gunners.
The former England manager turned on the charm and was the key factor in the forward’s decision to move to Merseyside, rather than return to his first club Southampton.
Big Sam told Walcott that he believes he can get back to the top of his game after becoming a peripheral figure at Arsenal over the past two seasons.
Allardyce convinced the 28-year-old he can play through the middle, as well as on the flank, and he also sees him as a main figure in the dressing room as he looks to rebuild Everton.
Walcott was still torn at the weekend and leaves Arsenal with a heavy heart after winning three FA Cups and forming a deep affection for the club.
But it was talks with Allardyce since then that persuaded him to move on.
Allardyce picked Walcott in his one and only England squad in 2016 and he has a deep-seated respect for the manager.
Walcott underwent a medical at Everton’s training ground yesterday after agreeing personal terms to match his £140,000-a-week Arsenal contract.
Gunners chief Arsene Wenger wanted Walcott to stay until the end of the season, but it was his desire to play more regular first-team football that convinced him to go.
Walcott has never given up on England, he loves playing for his country, and the chance of more games at Everton may yet push him back into Gareth Southgate’s plans.
Allardyce outlined his vision for Walcott last week and also said his knowledge of the Everton coaching staff from his England days was vital.
The Blues boss said: “He knows me, Sammy Lee, Craig Shakespeare. And he knows our goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson, who was with England.
“At this moment in time he is the right age with the right experience to make an impact on Everton Football Club.
“With all the experience and knowledge he has gained he should be at the peak of his career.”
Walcott has also seen Alex Oxladechamberlain leave Arsenal in August and thrive at Liverpool thanks to a change of scenery at Anfield.
Oxlade-chamberlain has enjoyed Jurgen Klopp’s coaching and that will have appealed to Walcott to get his own career back on track.