Howard to Everton (on loan)

[mischaDCU]

It's official. One year deal.

http://www.evertonfc.com/news/index.php?page_id=10016

[zerorespects]

Right %#@$ on!

Is there an opportunity for a permanent deal afterwards?

[EvertonChris]

No..

but if he does well and United want to get rid next summer i'm sure we'll go in for him.

[Rocket]

Excellent choice!

No matter what Sara and her Eurosnob buddies have to say. :)

;)

[The Old Lady Hertha]

)%#($!

I mean #%@$!

I mean #%$#@!

...

Good!


#%$Q@!

[bford]

Awesome..... I think with regular time, he will regain his very good form.

Rock

bford

This is also good for his USA national team future.

[sarabella]

Well, this forum is sure going to be interesting next season...

Can't say I'm thrilled but at least I can hope he'll be better than Wright.

[Leto]

Who'd believe now he cost £6m back in the day?

Maybe you should just pre-empt and open up a "crisis" thread now, Sara.

[Rocket]

Can't say I'm thrilled but at least I can hope he'll be better than Wright.
You think Tim Howard is some sort of clutz, and I know that he'll do a great job for us if given the chance.

I already owe you a few beers -- would you like another wager, Sara, with raised stakes?

[TrooperBari]

I know pessimism is your bag, Sara, but do try to have a little faith in Timmy.

He's had some bad incidents, but get him regular PT and you'll see he'll take one sure goal away for each softy he gives up.

[sarabella]

I'm more than willing to give him a chance. I've just been an Everton fan long enough to know what having a little hope does.

The thing I'm most worried about is that defense ahead of him. Stubbs and Weir again? C'mon! Between the two of them, they're almost 80. IIRC, Tim did well when the Manchester United defense was performing well in front of him and not so well when they made a few flubs.

But, like I said, I'll give him a chance. And I really do hope he works out.

[The Old Lady Hertha]

Well, this forum is sure going to be interesting next season...



I'm ready for the challenge! :cool:

May the spazzos come in peace. :)

[kerpow]

This is really good news. To have filled (albeit tremporarily) the position that needs the most attention so early in the transfer window with a player who has experience of the EPL and is fairly well rated for practically no money.

It will give us time to find the right long term replacement for Martin.

[mischaDCU]

The thing I'm most worried about is that defense ahead of him. Stubbs and Weir again? C'mon! Between the two of them, they're almost 80. IIRC, Tim did well when the Manchester United defense was performing well in front of him and not so well when they made a few flubs.


I think this is right on. And taking it one step further, I think some of the crap he got at ManU was more due to his leaky defense than his inability to play the position at this level (it started during Rio's suspension, IIRC). But whoever the keeper is, defensive flubs are going to expose him. I would rather have Howard in that position than Wright.

Frankly, while I also agree with you about our geriatric defense, there may be one good thing about it: say what you will about Weir's and Stubbs' athleticism, they are organized and have very good chemistry. I think having a defense in front of him that is organized and comfortable and communicates well will really help him. Of course, if they are just beat for speed time and again, then our keeper is going to have a rough time no matter who he is. We might as well keep Dunc and put him in goal; at least he would be intimidating...

I am cautiously optimistic about this move; I think it will be good for both us and Howard. If nothing else, it fills a position we have been weak at, and frees Moyes to start filling all of the other holes we are likely to have.

[The Old Lady Hertha]

I think that this could be the end of Martyn though. Think about it, Iain Turner has shown some flashes, and John Ruddy is waiting in the wings. I think Martyn doesn't get a contract again and Iain Turner will be the backup. It's not too bad of a situation, Turner has been ok (besides the sending off tragedy).

[sarabella]

I don't think Martyn will be back - I'm pretty sure retirement is calling his name.

[Big_Bad_Mcnabb]

Martyn has been told that if he passes an internal medical i think on either his knee or anckle (i forget which) he will be offered a new contract.

Wright is the one that should be worrying hes almost certainly out.

Turner needs to learn a little more before been chucked into the fire.

Ruddy is nowhere near ready to be even on the bench hes just too young.

On the Howard side, i dont see anything wrong with this signing quite pleased in fact.

[HogDaddy]

As a fan of Everton and the US, this gives me another reason to root for both Everton and Timmy. Wonderful news. Good for Everton, good for Tim to get some time on the field, good for the US nats to get some experience for their likely number one keeper next year.

[tobycharles]

I know Tim from his days playing in New York. The one thing I can promise without hesitation is he is a first class individual. You will love having him at your club.

I also happen to believe we will be a terrific asset on the field. Most goalkeepers get better with age. When they are young they really don't know how to play the position and rely on athleticism to get by. Tim is no different. As he gets more games I believe the mistakes will diminish and he will flourish.

Hope so for you guys. Good luck to all.

[Nicodemus145]

I am very happy to hear this news, and happier that yall are waiting to accept him with open arms (for the most part ;) ). I think the pressure of being at a club like Man U (not that Everton aren't huge! please dont hate me!) was a big factor in his decline, combined with the shoddy defense at the time and his tourettes. It's a great signing, and I'll see Rocket's wager and raise you a round of shots.

ps - I havent been here in forever: How are you liking Amsterdam, Sara? Have you integrated very well? How's your Dutch? Don't you miss greasy fast food and shoddy health insurance??? (can you roll a mad spliff?)