‘One of the best’ – Everton shareholder reacts after what Gary Neville said about Goodison star

Everton shareholder Mike Parry has expressed high praise for Brian Viner’s commentary on goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, following Gary Neville’s remarks about the player’s performance. In a Daily Mail column dated March 19, Viner criticized those who doubted Pickford’s position as England’s first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming European Championship, despite his consistent performance for the national team since the 2018 World Cup.

Gary Neville was quoted in the article suggesting that Pickford does not always play as well for Everton as he does for England. Parry, responding to the column via Twitter, commended Viner’s piece as one of the best sports journalism articles he’s read in a long time, highlighting Viner as a top writer.

The article and Parry’s response defend Pickford’s record, emphasizing his key role in England’s national team, especially during the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020, where his penalty saves in the final shootout against Italy were crucial. The criticism Pickford faces is deemed unjustified and myopic, as it often overlooks his growth and significant contributions as a goalkeeper.

Pickford’s agility, reflexes, and distribution have been essential for both Everton and England. His dedication to improving his game, including working with sports psychologists, is also noted as praiseworthy. The disproportionate scrutiny compared to other players is seen as biased and not reflective of an objective evaluation of his skills.

Parry’s tweet suggests that Pickford’s achievements, including the potential to become the most capped England goalkeeper, should be celebrated rather than criticized. As England prepares for a major tournament, Pickford is recognized as a crucial member of the team[2].

Citations:
[1] https://www.toffeeweb.com/season/22-23/comment/editorial/43025.html
[2] https://www.goodisonnews.com/2024/03/20/everton-shareholder-reacts-to-gary-neville-jordan-pickford-admission/
[3] https://metro.co.uk/2019/09/28/not-funny-gary-neville-slams-everton-star-laughing-manchester-city-win-10825906/
[4] https://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/news/archive/2020/10
[5] https://www.mailplus.co.uk/edition/sport/rugby/rugby-union/33697/tributes-to-wales-and-lions-legend-jj-williams
[6] https://talksport.com/football/667322/everton-jordan-pickford-gary-neville-england/
[7] https://www.teamtalk.com/teamtalk-post-sitemap24.xml
[8] https://www.goodisonnews.com/2024/03/20/everton-daily-mail-journo-slams-gary-neville-on-nonsense-jordan-pickford-england-verdict/
[9] https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/12810484/i-have-no-idea-what-he-is-doing-gary-neville-on-jordan-pickfords-howler-against-liverpool
[10] https://www.redcafe.net/threads/press-gossip-2023.415826/page-109
[11] https://duitslandinstituut.nl/record_newsletter/click?key=F9EfyLnRFHcPB9twGavPqY8AGHTIOkNkihqHSDoobr4CpmYVnkBE9y5F6OzKYRU8&log=true&url=http%3A%2F%2F820498231oc22.%D1%88%D0%B5%D1%84-%D0%B1%D0%BE%D1%83%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B3.%D1%80%D1%84
[12] https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jordan-pickford-proves-gary-neville-27048025
[13] https://www.toffeeweb.com/season/22-23/news/42882.html
[14] https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1734321/Gary-Neville-Jordan-Pickford-Liverpool-Everton-premier-league-news
[15] https://toffeeweb.com/season/23-24/news/44603.html
[16] https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jordan-pickford-responds-gary-neville-20949656
[17] https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/media/iulntcov/hylands-petition-24-02-2021.pdf