http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/james-mccarthy-stayed-loyal-everton-6522936?
James McCarthy stayed loyal to Everton because club made statement by keeping John Stones
While city rivals Liverpool again allowed a star man to leave in Raheem Sterling, the Toffees stuck to their guns in the face of huge bids from Chelsea
Rock at back: Stones, left, warms up with McCarthy
James McCarthy was a wanted man last summer and London beckoned, but he could not be happier to have stayed at Everton, writes Steve Bates in the Sunday People.
And the Republic Of Ireland midfield star has revealed the club’s stance on John Stones was a key factor in signing a new five-year deal that dashed Tottenham’s hopes of enticing him to White Hart Lane.
While rivals Liverpool lost the fight to keep Raheem Sterling at Anfield, Everton’s determination not to be bullied into selling England defender Stones played a significant role in McCarthy’s own decision.
“That was massive,” said the 24-year-old, who is set to face West Brom at the Hawthorns on Monday night.
Quality addition: McCarthy says players like Tom Cleverley, left, show club's ambition
“From day one, the chairman and gaffer said that John wasn’t for sale and that remained the case even though Chelsea kept coming back with bids.
“It just shows we want to build and we want to do well – it’s a measure of the ambition here at Everton.
“The manager, the chairman, the whole club made a big statement in the summer by keeping everyone together.
“And this could be a really big season for us.
“Kevin Mirallas signed a new contract as well as myself and we kept Stonesy.
“We also brought in Tom Cleverley, Gerard Deulofeu, Aaron Lennon and Ramiro Funes Mori, all international players, and you can see that we are trying to build for the future.
“We have a really good squad at Goodison Park and we believe we are going places.
“It’s just a fantastic football club and, while I was aware of the rumours about my own future, my focus was on Everton and I was delighted to commit my future to the club for the long term.”
Blues brother: McCarthy's team-mate Stones clears lines against Chelsea
Glasgow-born McCarthy, signed from Wigan for £13million two years ago, is expecting big things from Everton in the short term.
He added: “I have loved every minute here since I joined. If anything, I’m enjoying it even more because of where we believe we can go and the potential within the team.
“You can see that we are building for the future, and tying players down to long-term contracts is all a part of that.
“But we all know we can achieve things this season. The way the club is run, the atmosphere around the place, the passion of the fans, it’s just a really special club to be a part of.”
Stuck to guns: Martinez did not bow before pressure from Chelsea
McCarthy’s long-time link with boss Roberto Martinez – both FA Cup winners while at Wigan – was another bond he was reluctant to break.
He said: “The boss brought me into the Premier League and I’m grateful for the support and trust he’s placed in me. It’s good to work under him.
“I’m delighted to be where I am and grateful to the gaffer for bringing me to Wigan first from Hamilton and then on to a club like Everton.”
