Thursday, June 18, 2009

Neville seeks successful start

Everton captain Phil Neville is targeting a positive start to next season against Arsenal on opening day.

The Toffees, who finished fifth in the Barclays Premier League, drew 1-1 at home to Arsene Wenger's side in January - being denied victory only by Robin van Persie's 90th-minute equaliser - having lost 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium in October.

Neville believes a good performance at home to the Gunners on August 15 can set them up for another successful season.

"I am like every other football fan when the fixtures come out," Neville told Everton's official website.

"We all want to know who we have got in the first few weeks and over Christmas and the new year.

"The opening fixture of a new season is always an exciting one anyway, but the fact that we are playing a side like Arsenal adds even more spice to the occasion.

"A full house at Goodison on day one is always something special and we will be looking to get off to a good start."

Sunderland will open the season away to Bolton and chairman Niall Quinn told the club's official website, www.safc.com: "The holidays are coming to an end now the fixtures are out.

"This is the time when everyone gets giddy about what's going to happen. Last year is dead and gone and it's all about bringing it on now.

"We are all very excited and, with three games in eight days, the start of the season will be hectic, but we will relish it.

"This is what staying in the Barclays Premier League was all about and it's great to be involved."

Steve Bruce's side will follow their trip to the Reebok Stadium with a tough opener at the Stadium of Light three days later against FA Cup winners Chelsea.

They face promoted duo Burnley and Wolves in successive weeks in September and make the trip to Bruce's former club Wigan on November 28.

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