Dwight McNeil's secret struggle

Everton star Dwight McNeil’s partner has thanked him for his unwavering support throughout her recent health battles in an emotional New Year’s message.

Everton manager Sean Dyche revealed after the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City on December 27 that McNeil had been playing throughout the Blues’ hectic festive schedule despite “personal issues” and now his long-term girlfriend Meg Sharpley has detailed the continued bedside vigil the 24-year-old Blues winger kept as she underwent major surgery, “losing an organ or two.” Taking to Instagram, Sharpley wrote: “Dwight, you held my hand every time the bad news came, you reminded me how strong I was and how it was all going to be okay.

“You dressed me, you washed me, you carried me, you fed me, you injected me, you juggled all your commitments whilst supporting me and never complained.

“You slept by my hospital bed and kept me giggling even when the world felt like it was ending. You are the most amazing human being.

“Now let’s leave the super tough times in 2023 and let's go and take on forever. Another year utterly in love – I am blessed.”

McNeil, who has played 51 games and scored nine goals for Everton since his £20million transfer from Burnley in July 2022, shared the post on his Instagram account, writing “we a team, I love you little one.”

In an earlier post on New Year's Eve, Sharply had written: “As a New Year is within sight, I pray for all the two things I’ve learnt to appreciate the most – health and happiness.

“From start to finish this year has been mentally and physically exhausting. Ending the year this last week, undergoing urgent open surgery and losing an organ or two only seems fitting.

“I know people have questions, which I'll share in time, most I don't have the answers to just yet, only that I'm not on the journey to recovery (take 2) and hoping for a result of full health.

“But know this, I stand in faith that whatever 2024 has in store for me I know I will be strong enough to own it, overcome it and hopefully… enjoy it.”

McNeil replied to the post: “Proud of you mooster.”

Burnley-born Sharpley has been with McNeil since his time at the Clarets and the pair of them spoke to the ECHO in Christmas 2022 to explain how they had been supporting three Merseyside-based charities throughout the festive period: Mission Christmas, which provides presents for disadvantaged children; The Whitechapel Centre, which provides Christmas dinners for homeless people; and Everton in the Community, the club’s official charity.