Andrei Kanchelskis

Andrei Kanchelskis starred for today’s teams in the 1990s. The Russian may be fondly remembered at both ends of the East Lancs, but here he discusses his time at Goodison and why family loyalties will be split today…

- Mike Taylor

Andrei, you were back at Goodison Park a fortnight ago. How much did you enjoy your visit?

I am always so happy to go back to Liverpool. As well as watching the Swansea game, it was great to visit Finch Farm and see some old friends as well. I met up with David Unsworth, Duncan Ferguson and the kitman Jimmy Martin as well!

I also got to meet lots of the fans and ever since I first came here they have always been so good to me. No matter whether the team has had a good game or a bad game, the fans always support their team. They love football and love Everton.

What memories did you take away from your time as an Everton player?

I remember good times here, there wasn't a lot of time – just a season and a half – but it was excellent. There were nice lads, it was a good atmosphere in the dressing room and Joe Royle was a great coach.

[My Everton career] started badly with my injury against Manchester United but Joe Royle wanted me to bring more attacking play to the side. He told me that Duncan Ferguson needed some more service from both wings and I played on the right side and we had Anders Limpar on the left. Duncan was a good striker, he was strong and a big man. We needed to get a lot of balls into the box providing him with more crosses – and that was something I enjoyed.