My love/hate relationship with Wayne Rooney's Everton return

I’ve always been against the return of Wayne Rooney to Everton. That opposition is not down to any kissing of the Man United badge or leaving me as a heartbroken teenager, I got over those years ago.

One thing that’s also been left in the past is Rooney’s world class footballing ability. For all his heroics in a red shirt, the vast majority of Man United fans were happy to see him leave as they know that his time has gone.

He has been a burden to the club in the last few years, he still demands headlines, but increasingly didn’t deserve a first team place. That same burden is now Everton’s. If he is not on the pitch or playing well, then it’s still a huge news story.

Then, I get taken back to my teenage self, watching another teenage Evertonian become a star for the team I love. His return, however sceptical I may be, fills me with excitement that it might just work. The fairytale ending can happen.

Childish joy

I remember watching Duncan Ferguson’s testimonial a few years back and Rooney was set free on goal. I remember the childish joy that instantly filled me with glee that I might see him score in an Everton shirt again. And the despair I felt when I was denied the chance by the offside flag.

He will score for Everton again, except it’ll be as an Everton player once again. When he does, I know I’ll be transported back in time to that joyful kid.

I want it to work; I desperately want to be wrong about his return not being a success. That problem England and Man United have had over the years of trying to shoehorn him into the team is now our problem. Those tired legs that can no longer produce those breathtaking moments are now our problem. Other players relying on a superstar to win matches, but failing, is now our problem.

If this was any former legend, say, Samuel Eto’o, then it’s not a problem. If he can produce, then great and if he’s not happy then he can just leave, no big story. But this is Wayne Rooney. Front page headline magnet and still one of the biggest names in world football.

If it doesn’t work, if he doesn’t get minutes, if he becomes unhappy, then it’ll make headlines. Samuel Eto’o left Everton with little fanfare; everything is different when Wayne Rooney is involved.

Fairytale ending?

Then there’s the dream. He can make an impact, his minutes are carefully controlled and he helps win Everton their first trophy since 1995. In the meantime he helps attract other players to the club and helps nurture our numerous young ones and teaches them how to be winners. He helps be the bridge that’ll take Everton on to that next level.

The dream ending or a nightmare finish? I love his return, and I hate it. Seeing Wayne Rooney lift silverware for Man United was always difficult to watch. Watching him do that for Everton would be a magical moment.