The recalled James Garner impressed in Everton’s excellent 1-0 win at his former club Nottingham Forest and he spoke to the media after the mat
James Tarkowski of Everton celebrates victory with James Garner of Everton during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Everton at the City Ground in Nottingham, England, on April 12, 2025. (Photo by Jon Hobley | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
James Garner and James Tarkowski celebrate Everton’s win at Nottingham Forest(Image: Jon Hobley | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
James Garner wants Everton to ‘do a Nottingham Forest’ next season and hopes that Idrissa Gueye will still be alongside him in the Blues midfield when they move to their new stadium. After facing the top two in the table last week, David Moyes’ men defeated third placed Forest 1-0 at the City Ground on Saturday thanks to Abdoulaye Doucoure’s stoppage-time winner.
Despite finishing 17th last season, Forest sit third this term with six games to go and looking to emulate Moyes’ Everton of 20 years ago when they went from being the top division’s lowest placed side to avoid relegation to Champions League qualification in the space of 12 months. Garner believes the rapid rise of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side serves as an inspiration to his own team-mates though as they look to revive the club’s fortunes with their move from Goodison Park to the Mersey waterfront.
Article continues bel
Article continues below
Similar articles to this
Find more about Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer could be back on as David Moyes gives update on Everton striker
Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer could be back on as David Moyes gives update on Everton striker
Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer could be back on as David Moyes gives update on Everton striker
8
COMMENTS
Find more about ‘Terrible’ – Former Liverpool star makes ‘harsh’ claim about Premier League title-race
‘Terrible’ – Former Liverpool star makes ‘harsh’ claim about Premier League title-race
‘Terrible’ – Former Liverpool star makes ‘harsh’ claim about Premier League title-race
4
COMMENTS
Find more about Roy Keane shows true Mohamed Salah colours as Liverpool contract verdict delivered
Roy Keane shows true Mohamed Salah colours as Liverpool contract verdict delivered
Roy Keane shows true Mohamed Salah colours as Liverpool contract verdict delivered
Find more about From outside it’s a normal terraced house but things are different once you walk through the door
From outside it’s a normal terraced house but things are different once you walk through the door
From outside it’s a normal terraced house but things are different once you walk through the door
50
COMMENTS
Find more about David Moyes targeting up to two transfers in key Everton area as three big calls needed
David Moyes targeting up to two transfers in key Everton area as three big calls needed
David Moyes targeting up to two transfers in key Everton area as three big calls needed
5
COMMENTS
Find more about Everton supporters’ group issue statement as request made over last Goodison Park fixture date
Everton supporters’ group issue statement as request made over last Goodison Park fixture date
Everton supporters’ group issue statement as request made over last Goodison Park fixture date
47
COMMENTS
Find more about Mo Salah’s impressive net worth, house that ‘looks like a hospital’ and new Liverpool deal
Mo Salah’s impressive net worth, house that ‘looks like a hospital’ and new Liverpool deal
Mo Salah’s impressive net worth, house that ‘looks like a hospital’ and new Liverpool deal
Find more about Everton player was scolded by manager in dressing room after bizarre moment inspired iconic win
Everton player was scolded by manager in dressing room after bizarre moment inspired iconic win
Everton player was scolded by manager in dressing room after bizarre moment inspired iconic win
3
COMMENTS
Find more about Liverpool line-up confirmed as Arne Slot makes four changes and Alisson Becker returns
Liverpool line-up confirmed as Arne Slot makes four changes and Alisson Becker returns
Liverpool line-up confirmed as Arne Slot makes four changes and Alisson Becker returns
7
COMMENTS
Find more about ‘Bad news’ – Paul Merson sends Arsenal warning after Mohamed Salah Liverpool contract mistake
‘Bad news’ – Paul Merson sends Arsenal warning after Mohamed Salah Liverpool contract mistake
‘Bad news’ – Paul Merson sends Arsenal warning after Mohamed Salah Liverpool contract mistake
9
COMMENTS
Find more about ‘To be honest’ – Neal Maupay tries to explain why his Everton transfer didn’t work
‘To be honest’ – Neal Maupay tries to explain why his Everton transfer didn’t work
‘To be honest’ – Neal Maupay tries to explain why his Everton transfer didn’t work
33
COMMENTS
Find more about Pep Guardiola’s response to Mohamed Salah Liverpool contract extension speaks volumes
Pep Guardiola’s response to Mohamed Salah Liverpool contract extension speaks volumes
Pep Guardiola’s response to Mohamed Salah Liverpool contract extension speaks volumes
5
COMMENTS
Find more about Graham Potter raises ‘million dollar question’ after Liverpool winner against West Ham United
Graham Potter raises ‘million dollar question’ after Liverpool winner against West Ham United
Graham Potter raises ‘million dollar question’ after Liverpool winner against West Ham United
Find more about Jamie Carragher sends three-word message to Mohamed Salah after Liverpool contract update
Jamie Carragher sends three-word message to Mohamed Salah after Liverpool contract update
Jamie Carragher sends three-word message to Mohamed Salah after Liverpool contract update
Find more about Steven Gerrard warned against comeback by Liverpool legend as budget issue raised
Steven Gerrard warned against comeback by Liverpool legend as budget issue raised
Steven Gerrard warned against comeback by Liverpool legend as budget issue raised
Find more about Everton could take transfer chance to fill key position after ‘concrete interest’ claim
Everton could take transfer chance to fill key position after ‘concrete interest’ claim
Everton could take transfer chance to fill key position after ‘concrete interest’ claim
5
COMMENTS
Find more about Liverpool let greatest goalscorer slip through their fingers after daily training ground rows
Liverpool let greatest goalscorer slip through their fingers after daily training ground rows
Liverpool let greatest goalscorer slip through their fingers after daily training ground rows
25
COMMENTS
Find more about Mikel Arteta pays emotional tribute to Goodison Park as Arsenal boss shows class despite frustration
Mikel Arteta pays emotional tribute to Goodison Park as Arsenal boss shows class despite frustration
Mikel Arteta pays emotional tribute to Goodison Park as Arsenal boss shows class despite frustration
11
COMMENTS
Find more about Everton issue statement over Goodison Park ticket resales as warning sent over banning orders
Everton issue statement over Goodison Park ticket resales as warning sent over banning orders
Everton issue statement over Goodison Park ticket resales as warning sent over banning orders
19
COMMENTS
Find more about Liverpool could have biggest summer in nine years as Premier League set for huge shake up
Liverpool could have biggest summer in nine years as Premier League set for huge shake up
Liverpool could have biggest summer in nine years as Premier League set for huge shake up
98
COMMENTS
Find more about Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer could be back on as David Moyes gives update on Everton striker
Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer could be back on as David Moyes gives update on Everton striker
Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer could be back on as David Moyes gives update on Everton striker
8
COMMENTS
Find more about ‘Terrible’ – Former Liverpool star makes ‘harsh’ claim about Premier League title-race
‘Terrible’ – Former Liverpool star makes ‘harsh’ claim about Premier League title-race
‘Terrible’ – Former Liverpool star makes ‘harsh’ claim about Premier League title-race
4
COMMENTS
Find more about Roy Keane shows true Mohamed Salah colours as Liverpool contract verdict delivered
Roy Keane shows true Mohamed Salah colours as Liverpool contract verdict delivered
Roy Keane shows true Mohamed Salah colours as Liverpool contract verdict delivered
Find more about From outside it’s a normal terraced house but things are different once you walk through the door
From outside it’s a normal terraced house but things are different once you walk through the door
From outside it’s a normal terraced house but things are different once you walk through the door
50
COMMENTS
Find more about David Moyes targeting up to two transfers in key Everton area as three big calls needed
David Moyes targeting up to two transfers in key Everton area as three big calls needed
David Moyes targeting up to two transfers in key Everton area as three big calls needed
5
COMMENTS
Find more about Everton supporters’ group issue statement as request made over last Goodison Park fixture date
Everton supporters’ group issue statement as request made over last Goodison Park fixture date
Everton supporters’ group issue statement as request made over last Goodison Park fixture date
47
COMMENTS
Find more about Mo Salah’s impressive net worth, house that ‘looks like a hospital’ and new Liverpool deal
Mo Salah’s impressive net worth, house that ‘looks like a hospital’ and new Liverpool deal
Mo Salah’s impressive net worth, house that ‘looks like a hospital’ and new Liverpool deal
Asked if the Blues can take inspiration from what the East Midlanders have done this term, the 24-year-old said: “Massively, yes. I think that’s the plan for next season.
READ MORE: David Moyes sparks pressroom laughter as Everton supporters joined in Premier League anger
READ MORE: Nuno makes classy Everton admission after Nottingham Forest defeat
“We want to be a surprise pick in the table for next season. I don’t think many people would expect us to finish in the top half of the table next season, but we know and definitely know that we’ve got the players and we’ve got the ability, and we’ve definitely got the team to finish in the top half.
“So they’ve gone on an inspiring run, and there’s no reason why we wouldn’t be able to do it.”
Article continues below
Get the best of Everton FC news plus selected offers and competitions
Enter your Email…
Subscribe
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info
Although Everton’s winner didn’t come until stoppage time, this was no ‘smash and grab raid’ and Garner maintained they were good value for their three points. He said: “I think we dominated the game from minute one. We knew it was going to be tough here, they’ve made this place a bit of a fortress.
“We knew it was going to be tough, we knew we were going to have a lot of the ball, but it was how we nullified their threat and how they counter-attacked. I think we did that very well and I think we deserved the three points.
“We knew the threats that we had, very good on the counter-attack. There’s not many teams that have come here and won, so we’re more than happy.”
You May Like
9 years ago: Most beautiful twins. Their appearance today will shock you
Novelodge
|
Sponsored
Before his £9million transfer to Everton in 2022, Garner spent a season-and-a-half on loan at Nottingham Forest from Manchester United, playing 69 games and scoring eight goals with his spell culminating with promotion to the Premier League. The Birkenhead-born player admitted there was no room for sentiment though from either party.
He said: “I had a very good time here, there’s no denying that. But I’m a Blue now.
“The home fans didn’t give me any stick apart from when I did that awful corner, they gave it a little bit of a cheer. But that’s about it.”
Article continues below
138205441837
The 1-0 win at Forest puts Everton on the cusp of Premier League survival with six games still left to play. The upturn in fortunes – the Blues’ form since David Moyes’ return would put them in the top five of the Premier League – has been remarkable but after tackling the division’s top three teams already this month, Garner is looking forwards to finishing April against Manchester City and Chelsea.
He said: “Since he’s come in, we’ve clearly shown the quality that we’ve got in the group. We’ve lost one in 12 Premier League games now.
“In our last three games, we’ve gone against literally the top three in the league, so we’re definitely competing with the top teams. That puts us in good stead going into the end.
Blind husband regains his sight, but doesn’t tell his wife and he realizes he’s been lied to for years
Cleverst
|
Sponsored
“We’re looking forward to it. There’s no easy game in the Premier League anyway.
“We’ve got two tough games coming up, but like I said, our most recent games have shown that we can go toe-to-toe with these teams. We’ll see.”
After starting nine consecutive games in all competitions, Garner was dropped to the bench for the previous game against Arsenal with Tim Iroegbunam coming in but then won an instant recall at the City Ground. The frustration of losing his place helped to galvanise the 24-year-old this time out though.
He said: “I was disappointed last week, I won’t lie. When I do get my moment and chance, I’m just hoping to put in a good performance for the team, but of course for myself as well, because that only puts me in good stead to play the following week.
“To be quite honest with you, the manager didn’t say anything to me. I’ve just worked hard this week in training, I’ve got my chance again this weekend and I think I had a decent game.”
Garner has been operating in the engine room alongside Idrissa Gueye who is one of the 13 Everton players out of contract this summer but despite his mentor turning 36 in September, he reckons it could be a prudent move for the Blues to retain his services when they relocate from Goodison Park to Bramley-Moore Dock.
Article continues below
Similar articles to this
Powered by
Mantis Logo
Find more about Nuno makes classy Everton admission after Nottingham Forest defeat
Nuno makes classy Everton admission after Nottingham Forest defeat
Nuno makes classy Everton admission after Nottingham Forest defeat
2
COMMENTS
Find more about ‘Delirious scenes’ – National media react to Everton win at Nottingham Forest and purr over David Moyes ‘effect’
‘Delirious scenes’ – National media react to Everton win at Nottingham Forest and purr over David Moyes ‘effect’
‘Delirious scenes’ – National media react to Everton win at Nottingham Forest and purr over David Moyes ‘effect’
16
COMMENTS
Find more about What happened three days after Arsenal draw shows Everton progress as Mikel Arteta theory wrong
What happened three days after Arsenal draw shows Everton progress as Mikel Arteta theory wrong
What happened three days after Arsenal draw shows Everton progress as Mikel Arteta theory wrong
Find more about David Moyes sparks pressroom laughter as Everton supporters joined in Premier League anger
David Moyes sparks pressroom laughter as Everton supporters joined in Premier League anger
David Moyes sparks pressroom laughter as Everton supporters joined in Premier League anger
37
COMMENTS
Find more about ‘We’re challenging the best’ – David Moyes knows he will soon have to abandon Everton claim
‘We’re challenging the best’ – David Moyes knows he will soon have to abandon Everton claim
‘We’re challenging the best’ – David Moyes knows he will soon have to abandon Everton claim
18
COMMENTS
Find more about David Moyes reveals Everton surgery blow and sends Jarrad Branthwaite transfer warning
David Moyes reveals Everton surgery blow and sends Jarrad Branthwaite transfer warning
David Moyes reveals Everton surgery blow and sends Jarrad Branthwaite transfer warning
11
COMMENTS
Find more about Nottingham Forest face injury crisis before Everton as four key players could miss out
Nottingham Forest face injury crisis before Everton as four key players could miss out
Nottingham Forest face injury crisis before Everton as four key players could miss out
2
COMMENTS
Find more about Nottingham Forest could be without four key players for Everton as Nuno admits struggle
Nottingham Forest could be without four key players for Everton as Nuno admits struggle
Nottingham Forest could be without four key players for Everton as Nuno admits struggle
2
COMMENTS
Find more about ‘Big for us’ – David Moyes reflects on incredible full-time scenes in front of Everton away end
‘Big for us’ – David Moyes reflects on incredible full-time scenes in front of Everton away end
‘Big for us’ – David Moyes reflects on incredible full-time scenes in front of Everton away end
7
COMMENTS
Find more about David Moyes accepts Jarrad Branthwaite comparison as Man City interested in Everton star
David Moyes accepts Jarrad Branthwaite comparison as Man City interested in Everton star
David Moyes accepts Jarrad Branthwaite comparison as Man City interested in Everton star
8
COMMENTS
Find more about Injury boost could spark Everton rethink as David Moyes faces new transfer dilemma
Injury boost could spark Everton rethink as David Moyes faces new transfer dilemma
Injury boost could spark Everton rethink as David Moyes faces new transfer dilemma
1
COMMENTS
Find more about Iliman Ndiaye ‘not fully pleased’ as forward pinpoints area for Everton improvement
Iliman Ndiaye ‘not fully pleased’ as forward pinpoints area for Everton improvement
Iliman Ndiaye ‘not fully pleased’ as forward pinpoints area for Everton improvement
Find more about David Moyes makes major Everton change for Nottingham Forest clash
David Moyes makes major Everton change for Nottingham Forest clash
David Moyes makes major Everton change for Nottingham Forest clash
6
COMMENTS
Find more about Inspiration behind popular Everton chant writes goodbye song for Goodison Park
Inspiration behind popular Everton chant writes goodbye song for Goodison Park
Inspiration behind popular Everton chant writes goodbye song for Goodison Park
14
COMMENTS
Find more about Everton hero reveals true feelings over Liverpool legend with major Premier League claim
Everton hero reveals true feelings over Liverpool legend with major Premier League claim
Everton hero reveals true feelings over Liverpool legend with major Premier League claim
Find more about Everton next generation offer attacking hope as starlet scores four goals in new role
Everton next generation offer attacking hope as starlet scores four goals in new role
Everton next generation offer attacking hope as starlet scores four goals in new role
3
COMMENTS
Find more about Everton legend believes ‘jaw-dropping, iconic’ new stadium is now missing just one thing
Everton legend believes ‘jaw-dropping, iconic’ new stadium is now missing just one thing
Everton legend believes ‘jaw-dropping, iconic’ new stadium is now missing just one thing
15
COMMENTS
Find more about Everton’s barely believable seven-year wait is finally over thanks to Iliman Ndiaye
Everton’s barely believable seven-year wait is finally over thanks to Iliman Ndiaye
Everton’s barely believable seven-year wait is finally over thanks to Iliman Ndiaye
15
COMMENTS
Find more about Two Liverpool stars drop early team news hints for West Ham amid Arne Slot fitness ‘fears’
Two Liverpool stars drop early team news hints for West Ham amid Arne Slot fitness ‘fears’
Two Liverpool stars drop early team news hints for West Ham amid Arne Slot fitness ‘fears’
Find more about Everton ‘secret’ weapon upstaged Mikel Arteta before injury nightmare st
Be the first to comment