"We are putting it on the shelf, so he can reclaim it when he returns," said GM Nick Sakiewicz, who added that Howard "was taken by that gesture."
You don't retire the # of someone who hasn't retired yet, so officially "retiring" 18 is foolish. But if the team doesn't want to give somebody #18 for the time being because they hope that (a) he needs it again or (b) he becomes such a megastar that they can formally retire it 15 years from now in a lavish ceremony where he shows up with all of his World Cup medals and Champions League trophies, it's no big deal. There are other numbers for other players to wear.
retired # 18 but why please this is not basketball or other sport this is soccer so why retired #18 ?
Does anyone have the same feeling I do, that Nick feels Howard will sit the bench at Man U, become frustrated and rejoin the team in a year or two? He has been unusually accomodating and supportive on this transfer in his comments to the press, which is obviously not his personality. Even before reading the article, I always felt they thought he will fail and return soon.
The gesture also works if it's a triumphant return after 3 Champions' League titles as the starter, though. I think you're way off on this one.
Re: Re: Howard's #18 to be "put on the shelf" Its the real fans that keep the league going...... I don't believe in retiring numbers...period so, I'm glad they didn't jump the gun on this one to try and create some tradition.
Yep...Timmy wore 18. I he stayed with it for the same reason as Thorton. They were 2nd string keepers, but were able to outplay the 1st string during the season. I guess they just wanted to stay with the number they gained success with. BTW...the Metros have only had three goalies that wore the #1: Tony Meola, Mike Ammann, and Jonny Walker.
Given the tradition of certain numbers in soccer and that they are traditionally the low numbers, I don't believe soccer teams should retire numbers. Personally, I think it's pretty cool when a new player comes in and takes the number of some greats -- it's almost like they now have to live up to wearing the number -- like Harry Kewell taking #7 for Liverpool and striving to live up to legends Keegan and Dalgish.
im not much for retiring numbers but i thought it was right when manchester city did it after foe died
Sounds like the Metros are trying to milk every ounce out of this story, which isn't such a bad idea.
Stop all this nonsense now. I have the Metro game-worn shirt from HELL. I'd post a picture of it here but if you see it you turn to stone. You'll just have to take my word for it.
There is NO REASON to retire #18. Tim was a starter for what.. 2 maybe 3 years? Never made the championship match either. Sure hes good, but retiring his jersey is rediculous.
It took me a while, but then I realised that even Pele's team in Brazil didn't retired his number, accordintg to some Pele v 2.0 is wearing it.