Johnny Heitinga explains ‘amateur’ practice under Moyes at Everton, and why Neville was top captain

David Moyes has his ups and downs at Everton and left on a sour note in 2013.

Moving to Old Trafford to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson, Moyes annoyed Toffees fans with how he went about things. There was further irritation with some of his comments following the move, and also targeting Everton players for transfer.

Anger may have mellowed for many but the manager doesn’t have a positive reaction from much of the club’s support.

Johnny Heitinga was there when Moyes left, and he’s told Voetbal International about an aspect of the manager’s approach which he considers would suit an amateur team more.

Before signing for the Merseyside club, Heitinga had been at Ajax and Atletico Madrid, and he got a shock when Moyes told him he only needed to be at the stadium half an hour before a home match, and the club’s approach to nutrition also seemed odd.

Speaking about his debut against Blackburn Rovers, the former defender said: “I remember it well. Manager David Moyes said during the last meeting that we were to arrive at the stadium at half past two. We played at three o’clock, I thought he made a mistake. I wasn’t used to it, this reminded me of a meeting time of an amateur team. But it was true, it was everyone’s own responsibility to eat well and rest. So my wife had to prepare the pasta.”

One man who did quickly impress Heitinga was Phil Neville, with the now 35 year old believing he had an ideal captain: “He arranged everything, was there for everyone. Phil also took care of me in my first months and went to the players to fill envelopes at Christmas for the employees.”

That reminded the Dutchman of another, not so kind, story: “I had a break with the holidays. Then my brother-in-law (Zenden) also played in England, but we played on Boxing Day and on New Year’s Day. So you’re without family on those days. We came into the hotel with a huge Christmas tree and all the presents underneath. I took a box and gave it as a gift to the assistant trainer. I said it was for everything he did for us and that he had to open it at home with his wife in the evening. He was moved to tears and arranged everything. He opened that box, there was nothing in it, because it was a fake gift.”

That’s not very nice Johnny.