Richard Gough Quotations

The plan was that I was going to retire and take a job with the American Federation, but Nottingham Forest offered me a contract and there was interest from West Ham and another Premiership club.

I have always maintained a high level of fitness, and that is why I am still able to handle the demands of playing in the Premiership. People have always commented on my fitness, and it's something I pride myself on.

We train in the mornings, and then I go home and rest or sleep, and usually I go for a meal with Abel of a night, as we're the two with no family here, so we tend to hang around together.

I think the hardest to replace has been Johnny Collins. He was great to play with. You could always rely on him to be available for a short pass, allowing you time to clear a ball. He would never give the ball away.

I think a lot of players from the USA could come to the premiership. They started there with a blank piece of paper, and have got it right. They have more kids playing Soccer, as they call it over there, than any other sport, but the major league soccer, will find it hard to compete with the likes of American Football, Basketball and Baseball.

I think back through the years at the Scottish players like Andy Gray and Graeme Sharp, and even Alex Scott, and they have all done well. I'm not one for the future. I know that. But I think I can do a job.

I was a bit worried coming back to the Premiership from America, but I have been pleased with my form, and the interest I have received has been good for my ego. I have no worries about my fitness, and I am really looking forward to the season starting now.

My Mother is Swedish and my Father is Scottish, he played for Charlton in the 1960's and was in the Army, he captained the British forces team. We then moved to S.A. because a lot of players did that at the time.

I think the stretching before training and the match, has helped me. As well as being sensible with my eating and drinking.

We live in Silicone Valley, California. I always thought it would be nice to live in a place with the sun on my back. I get that from living in South Africa from 3 up until I was 16. I was once thinking about Australia, but when I went to places in the US major soccer league, as they call it out there. We decided it would be nice to live there.

The contract I signed was just for a year, with an option for another year. If the club don't want me, or if I don't want to carry on, that's it.

When I was a young player, I would look at players and think, he does this well, and try and pick up good points from them, or he conducts himself well, I'll pick up on that.

There is a lot of things to weigh up when a transfer happens, and money is a big factor.

A friend of mine asked me to open a sports bar in London, and the media were there. This fella started interviewing me, thinking I was Sean Bean.

This is a fantastic opportunity for me to demonstrate my capabilities as a manager.

Dave Watson's career has been similar to mine, and from what I have been told he has been one of the players of the season for Everton. I know I would have regretted not taking this opportunity. Everton is a traditional club in my eyes, with a great, passionate support. I think it will be a great place to play football.

I've got an opinion on everything, so I should go into management.

The USA have recently done well in the Olympics and the Youth World Cup. So I think there will be some good young players available in the future, and not too expensive which is important to the club.

The fans know their football, you can't kid them.

I'm reaping the rewards now and enjoying every minute of it - even when I'm on the floor waiting to be carted off for more stitches. I wouldn't swap it for anything, and, whether this proves to be my last season at this level or not, I'm determined to make the most of it.

I had 10 years at Rangers and I think I'm a loyal person. I don't think I would go to another premiership club other than Everton.

I look at the car park and myself and Dave Watson come in with our old cars, and these young lads come in with their new Porches. I think that society has changed, there seems to be a lack of respect nowadays.

I played as a 17-year-old with Walter Smith, who must have been about 32. So I've known Walter for 21 years.

I can cope with a smack in the face, or at least I should be able to after the number I have had. This one was just run-of-the-mill for me.