Phil Jagielka has revealed something that Tim Cahill “wasn’t the best” at during his time at Everton.
The 41-year-old made 385 appearances for the Toffees before returning to Sheffield United in 2019.
After moving to Derby County and then Stoke City, the central defender called time on his career in November 2023.
Jagielka was undoubtedly a fan favourite during his time at Goodison Park and even weighed in with some iconic goals; his thunderbolt against Liverpool immediately comes to mind.
Phil Jagielka says Tim Cahill struggled with something at Everton
In a recent interview with Everton’s official website, Jagielka spoke about the Toffees’ famous 2009 FA Cup semi-final penalty shootout victory over Manchester United.
He said: “I didn’t expect to be one of the takers but there were a few hiding. Steven Pienaar was hiding behind Marouane Fellaini while he was trying to crouch behind Tim Howard!”
The former Sheffield United admitted that Cahill, who ended up missing, struggled with spot kicks during his career.
“In the end, we had Phil Neville, who wasn’t a penalty taker but reliable. Bainesy wasn’t that specialist guy just yet,” he added. “Tim Cahill wasn’t the best at them, either. Then we had James Vaughan, who was younger than me but wanted to take one.
“When it came to sorting the order, Tim wasn’t the most confident but offered to go first.
“Then the rest followed, with me last. Cahill missed but Tim Howard made a few saves, so then it came to the moment of me taking the decisive penalty.”
Evertonians have been starved of success for far too long
That brilliant day in 2009 feels like a very long time ago. Evertonians have been starved of such success for far too long.
Now, with 777 Partners a thing of the past and new ownership on the horizon, it feels like positivity can finally start to return to Goodison Park.
With the new stadium on the horizon and potentially a fresh outlook in the boardroom, hopefully, it’s not long before the Blues return to Wembley and compete for trophies once more; it’s been far too long.