Howard given final two home games as farewell

, 29 April, 135comments  |  Jump to most recent
Tim Howard will be in goal tomorrow to face Bournemouth as Everton give him the opportunity to sign off in front of the home fans after 10 years with the club.

The American lost his place to Joel Robles earlier this year as a combination of poor form and the turning wheels on a move to Colorado Rapids prompted Roberto Martinez to withdraw the veteran from the first-choice spot.

Robles has taken the opportunity afforded him and been in good form since taking over but Everton have announced this afternoon that Howard will be in goal against the Cherries and for the visit of Norwich City on the final day of the season.  



Reader Comments (135)

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Brian Williams
1 Posted 29/04/2016 at 17:12:16
Well pardon me for "nit picking" but we're actually NOT mathematically safe from relegation yet!!

So I'd be sticking with Robles until we are!

Charlie Lloyd
2 Posted 29/04/2016 at 17:14:44
Another distraction.
Ian Brandes
3 Posted 29/04/2016 at 17:15:54
More to do with Joel blotting his copy book with an indiscreet 'like' online which seemed to indicate he would like to see the back of RM.

So many divisive influences in our dressing room nowadays.

Eugene Ruane
4 Posted 29/04/2016 at 17:18:50
- (tuts, shakes head) -

Now I'll have to get more bloody tennis balls - it never ends!

Phil Walling
5 Posted 29/04/2016 at 17:19:57
It's not as though Robles is anything special, is it ? I can't see Tim doing much wrong against hopeless Bournemouth although Norwich might be a different story with relegation such an issue !
Xavier Spencer
6 Posted 29/04/2016 at 17:29:00
Why give him two games? Why give him one game? If he wants an opportunity to say goodbye to the crowd bring him on with five mins to go against Norwich if the game is won. If it isn't then tough. We are supposed to be in the business of winning games and each place in the league is worth millions of pounds. This is another case of woeful management and the complete lack of any strategy or any kind of game plan. A complete fucking nonsense. I couldn't be any more pissed off with way the club is being run and by the amateurs running it.
Paul Thompson
7 Posted 29/04/2016 at 17:29:19
A good gesture. He deserves a decent send off and despite what many think on here, he's no better or worse than Robles.
John Jones
8 Posted 29/04/2016 at 17:29:44
Well at least theres no danger of Howard catchong any of the tennis balls. The poor fella wont know whether to stay on line or flap like a seagull!
John Graham
9 Posted 29/04/2016 at 17:30:00
Good ... Hope he gets a great reception , even though some fans have wanted him out for a while.
Don't think Robles is up to it and maybe RM is getting back at him for his tweet.
Either way get the banners, tennis balls and everything else ready.
John Keating
10 Posted 29/04/2016 at 17:30:37
Eugene
this is another reason why the authorities should making footy a summer game.
The price of tennis balls this time of year is atrocious.
Lee Gorre
11 Posted 29/04/2016 at 17:30:49
Pity Distin didn't get the same opportunity, he got the last two minutes not the last two games.
Jim Bennings
12 Posted 29/04/2016 at 17:32:59
To be honest, we will get at most three more points this season, most likely tomorrow, or the least we will get is one more, again most likely tomorrow.

I can't see us getting anything at Leicester for obvious reasons nor at Sunderland because it will be like a Cup Final for them in terms of desperately needing points.
The same could be said of Norwich who will probably need something from the last game.


Jim Knightley
13 Posted 29/04/2016 at 17:38:13
Will Howard get both home games?

Martinez was nowhere near that explicit:

“We have got two home games left and we’ll see how it works out but we will all definitely have the opportunity to commemorate what Tim Howard has done for Everton.”

Is there a different source?

Imo he should get the last game and only the last game. We need points and to finish as high as possible before Martinez is pushed in the summer.

James Hughes
14 Posted 29/04/2016 at 17:42:25
I think it is a sad indication of what is wrong with this club. Too nice and no professional outlook.
"OH Tim we are so sad you are leaving please stand around on the pitch for us before you go"
Ian Bennett
15 Posted 29/04/2016 at 17:43:11
he could play both, and still not get a clean sheet.
Charlie Burnett
16 Posted 29/04/2016 at 17:44:51
Roberto thinking....

"Wait a min, I've sussed this lot out..... When we used to lose, everyone used to blame Howard; now I put Robles in goal, everyone is blaming me!"

"Right, Tim – get your gloves on, you're in for the next four games!!"

Steve Bingham
17 Posted 29/04/2016 at 17:49:04
Paul (#7) ... Totally agree with you there. He may be past his best by a country mile but he deserves a send off for his service to our club.

Not sure if tomorrow is ideal though... particularly with the unrest that most certainly is to be unleashed on the manager and board.

Ha, I can't blooming wait!!!

James Brand
18 Posted 29/04/2016 at 17:55:41
I'm happy to give Howard a farewell couple of games - just not in goal! Stick him centre half where he will do less damage than he would being between the sticks!!
Richard Reeves
19 Posted 29/04/2016 at 17:56:09
There's as much chance of him giving us the bird as there is returning applause.

Should leave it until the last home game if we're safe by then and the manager will hopefully be gone.

Keith Harrison
20 Posted 29/04/2016 at 18:03:09
Put him up front with Niasse. Hibbo no 10. Peanuts and Ossie Centre Backs, let's go the whole hog. Get McGeady back from Sheff Wed, and play him in goal.
Announce Roberto has signed a new five year deal to ensure our long term plan bears fruit.
Captain Scarlet, Captain Scarlet, the Mysterons have taken over.
Colin Glassar
21 Posted 29/04/2016 at 18:03:15
Oh give him a chance to say farewell. It should've been a few years ago but the least we can do is let him finish his career in front of his home crowd.
Keith Harrison
22 Posted 29/04/2016 at 18:07:56
I am, Colin. Just I'd rather he was up front than in the goals!
Keith Harrison
23 Posted 29/04/2016 at 18:09:11
All good servants, except McGeady, and ..ahem...Roberto. Nice to see them off in style.
Patrick Carty
24 Posted 29/04/2016 at 18:09:14
He should've been given the last home game as a nice gesture, but we are a nice club, with a nice chairman and a nice manager.

I hope the fans give a really nice atmosphere tomorrow to cap off a really nice season.

Mark Burton
26 Posted 29/04/2016 at 18:16:24
Maybe Tim will catch a tennis ball
Tony Hill
27 Posted 29/04/2016 at 18:25:28
I hope Jim Hardin's flying across for the game.
Kieran Kinsella
28 Posted 29/04/2016 at 18:26:41
Right thing to do but conveniently for Bobbie makes any booing awkward
Christopher Dover
29 Posted 29/04/2016 at 18:30:14
No problem seeing him off with a game but surely it should be the last home game.

But they are treating it like the season over, we know it is but still have games to go but only thing that could make the day would be for Martinez to make a fair well lap tomorrow with Howard.

Now that would be worth turning up for :)

Kieran Kinsella
30 Posted 29/04/2016 at 18:32:46
I'm worried Bournemouth will beat us 3-0 a la Wigan then Kenshite will say " what a manager Eddie Howe is"
Alan Peake
32 Posted 29/04/2016 at 18:47:45
What a joke, I never want to see the arrogant big headed clown in an Everton shirt ever again. Typical of Martinez, who never wanted to drop him in the first place.

Now this gives him a perfect excuse for bringing him back in the team. If it was to say goodbye to the fans, then it would have been the last 10 minutes against Norwich.

Steve Davies
33 Posted 29/04/2016 at 18:48:30
I have heard it all now. This club is not ruthless enough. Tim Howard should not have been playing for most of the season.

Maybe Duncan should play along with Unsworth. We really are turning into a charity case.

All Everton are obsessed with is the past and our history. I would sooner we put on our youngsters.

Kenwright and Martinez are turning us into a laughing stock.

Ray Said
34 Posted 29/04/2016 at 19:00:31
Sentimental rubbish. Give him the last 15 minutes of the last game-if we are winning the game.

Club and supporters interest should come first second and always.

Eugene Ruane
35 Posted 29/04/2016 at 19:02:33
Nice to read..

Retiring from the Everton backroom staff at the end of this season is Wally 'Wal' Pittard.

Wally, now 67, has been with the blues for 18 years and his duties have been as a handy-man, mainly at Bellefield and Finch Farm.

Wally said this morning - 'To be fair, i'll be sad to leave the place, everyone connected with the club has been first class since the day I arrived.' He went on to say 'I reckon in my time here I've changed hundreds of light-bulbs, fixed kettles, microwaves and running machines and put a coat of paint on just about every inch of the place, so I just hope my replacement takes the same pride in keeping up appearances as I have.'

It is believed, by way of a thank you, there will be a special presentation made to Wally at half-time during after the Norwich game.

He's also been informed he will replace Ross Barkley for the last four games of the season, slotting in just behind Lukaku.

Joe Foster
36 Posted 29/04/2016 at 19:04:51
Martinez just can not help himself in trying to get teams relegated.
Don Alexander
37 Posted 29/04/2016 at 19:10:19
We're 6 points behind Stoke with a game in hand. Overtaking them is worth £1.25 million on the Premier League payment-for-places merry-go-round so if Martinez is indulged by the board by picking Tim Howard, or any other player, for sentimental reasons I trust they don't even think about jacking up prices to fans next season.
Brian Porter
38 Posted 29/04/2016 at 19:11:11
Another joke from Martinez. Ten minutes in the last game would have been enough. Does he want to make things worse than they are. Robles must be spitting feathers. No sentiment please Martinez. Be bloody professional.
MARTINEZ OUT
Dave Ganley
39 Posted 29/04/2016 at 19:12:21
Give it a rest naysayers...Tim Howard has been a good servant to Everton FC. Was part of the great defensive unit under Moyes. Its not his fault that idiot Martinez kept picking him when out of form.

He was never a Southall but he was a good keeper for us. We are not going to get relegated so its a good chance for him to say goodbye to the fans and vice versa. It would be piss poor if anybody boos Tim. Give him a big hand and wish him well. He goes with my thanks. I'm quite happy to let Martinez know what I think of him in these last few games of the season but Tim Howard deserves our respect for the long service he has given us. Ffs Robles is hardly Gordon Banks is he?? Lets show a bit of class in this most miserable of seasons. Applaud Howard for his 10 years of service

Ian Burns
40 Posted 29/04/2016 at 19:13:09
I'm sorry - I have nothing against Tim Howard but his time was up earlier this season when Robles took over the number 1 slot.

This is NOT a farewell gesture to Tim - it is one of RM's nasty little moves for Robles' tweet earlier this week. This has got Distin written all over it.

Nice gesture my arse - he has a nasty controlling streak written right through him.

Don Alexander
41 Posted 29/04/2016 at 19:13:13
Brilliant Eugene, again!
Patrick Murphy
42 Posted 29/04/2016 at 19:13:40
Eugene (35) With Wally's unbelievable record of fixing stuff he should be favourite to get the Everton manager's job should it become available. I wonder what odds I'll get at the Bookies - then again he's a little old to be put under that kind of scrutiny, also there are allegations that some of the bulbs he replaced had lots of life left in them but he chose to change them anyway.
Mike Allen
43 Posted 29/04/2016 at 19:21:47
Yes, well I said a few weeks ago there will be another "fuck me" moment to contend with before the end of the season. OK, so I was wrong, they're endless. Surely last 10/15 minutes in the final match is enough or maybe that's being saved for Niasse.
Alan Bodell
44 Posted 29/04/2016 at 19:24:19
Since when does a player get a god given right purely to play for sentimental reasons ? , he lost his chance to play with numerous poor displays earlier this season.

Why can't he just come on the pitch after the Norwich game and wave us goodbye ?, we've become a joke since the Spanish clown arrived.
John Raftery
45 Posted 29/04/2016 at 19:24:59
Little to choose between Howard and Robles. We lose or draw games with either of them in the team. One thing is certain our league form has not improved since Howard was dropped. Contrary to what many believed earlier in the season Howard was not the root cause of our problems as recent results and performances have confirmed.
Dan Davies
47 Posted 29/04/2016 at 19:51:17
Keith #20 post of the day that mate had me laughing there mate.
Jim Hardin
48 Posted 29/04/2016 at 20:02:31
Brian,

Not sure your point about relegation is supported by your logic. With full anticipation of the soon to follow remarks of Darren, Mike, Gavin, and others, I submit the following:

Howard: 29 points in 23 games. 1.26 points per game=47 points over 38 games.

Robles: 12 points in 11 games. 1.09 points per game=41 points over 38 games.

Perhaps your remark was intended to produce an easy chuckle. If so, carry on then. However, if you were serious, then you might want to change your choice in goal.

Lest you are thinking that I am advocating for Howard to play, I most definitely am not. I would rather Tim gets 15 minutes and a recognition lap at the last home game before coming back here to the USA. I am merely providing the statistics to show which option would be better to achieve the stated purpose of the post.


Keith Glazzard
49 Posted 29/04/2016 at 20:09:33
Two games? Ridiculous. All being well, the last half hour, fair enough.
Just another bad call.
Brian Williams
50 Posted 29/04/2016 at 20:15:52
Jim Harding. You're not advocating for Tim to play, despite the stats you've come up with.......
Why not then?
Duncan McDine
51 Posted 29/04/2016 at 20:43:48
I wouldn't normally see anything wrong with letting him play the remainder of our wasted season, but I think Martinez is desperately trying to take some focus away from himself.

That said, I think TH deserves a decent send off for his lengthy Everton career. Would be a shame for him if soured by protests, but for the good of the club, I want to see a nasty atmosphere... Maybe Bill, Mosh and their pals will get the message.

Paul Conway
52 Posted 29/04/2016 at 20:50:11
I have already posted on the Big Nev thread that there is a conspiracy between Kenwright and Martinez. Now, with this news that Tim Howard is to play in goal, this stinks of cosying between Kenwright and Martinez.

Who came to the decision? Why was there not a decision to sack Martinez before this connerie?

We are facing the most paramount issue in my 50-year history of supporting Everton and this is the scraps we are fed.

With the contempt the board has shown the fans by remaining tight-lipped, they are leaving themselves open to a warranted revolt by the fans.

Jamie Crowley
53 Posted 29/04/2016 at 20:51:50
It's fitting he gets a few games after a decade of service in which to play and say goodbye.

The tragedy of it all, is seeing how at this hour we've done nothing to rectify the managerial position, Timmy will be playing in front of an angry, malcontented, bloodthirsty crowd.

What a way to send off a man who's been with the Club for ten years! Screaming, swearing, banners, tennis balls, pitchforks, torches...

Another monumental cock-up by a fantastically intelligent board.

Fucking loons. Definitely deep, second-level thinkers.

We're an absolute mess and a joke right now.

Good luck Tim!

Patrick Murphy
54 Posted 29/04/2016 at 20:53:36
I had no objection to Tim making a farewell cameo appearance in the last match of the season, but seeing as we are still not mathematically safe I see this act of charity as unprofessional. Whether it is a decision that Roberto has been forced into or he himself made for his own reasons doesn't matter, we are a competitive football club playing in a highly competitive league and if Tim Howard is not first choice by right he shouldn't be playing any part in the remainder of the season, save as a substitute appearance in the final home game.
Gary Carter
55 Posted 29/04/2016 at 21:35:39
To be fair, Robles is just as useless at coming for crosses as Howard, the only difference being that the boo boys current targets are one of the best young centre-backs we will ever see who's gone backwards under our current manager... one of the best young midfielders I've seen for years whose progress has been stunted under the manager... and one of the best young strikers in the world that scores 20+ goals a season but doesn't run around enough for the fans!

Because all these "fans" that "couldn't care less if we sold Stones, Barkley and Lukaku" are delusional if they think we will bring in young talent any better than them!

Tony Hill
56 Posted 29/04/2016 at 21:37:07
Yes, Jamie, let Operation Goodison Fuck Up on as Many Fronts As Possible commence.
Colin Gee
57 Posted 29/04/2016 at 21:41:34
Distian slags off Martinez and gets the last two minutes of the season...

Howard get the last two home games....

*Shakes head in frustration*

How ironic would it be if Howard gets sent off tomorrow and gets a three game ban!

Keith Harrison
58 Posted 29/04/2016 at 21:55:17
Eugene, you naughty boy. Stop making things up. You know damned fine Jimmy Martin is the Mr Fixit at Everton.
Bernard Smith
59 Posted 29/04/2016 at 22:06:10
A cynic might think this was just a stunt to deflect the attention from Martinez. I think Tim Howard should be given a chance to say farewell, he has been great for us over the years prior to this one.
Jim Bailey
60 Posted 29/04/2016 at 22:06:11
WTF. Have we become a charity case now? As a previous poster stated we are not yet mathematically safe from relegation.
This club, my club is becoming more and more idiotic as the days go by.
It is no good slagging Martinez off any more. The fault lies directly at Kenwrights door. Do the decent thing Bill and bugger off, take Bobby with you and anybody else who thinks that your way is the right way.
I have said a few times on previous threads that if you love someone enough then you will let them go.
Bill, for God's sake do the right thing by this club and pass it over to somebody else.
You've done great things for this club(my club) but now is the time to let go. Bill, don't let your ego stand in the way of Efcs' progress. Do whatever needs to be done and let us as a club take the next step forward.
Martin O'Sullivan
61 Posted 29/04/2016 at 22:16:44
I understand he's been a great servant to us and he does deserve a good send off but this isn't bloody carnival time. It's as though bill and Bobby have sat down and just written the season off and what will be will be with no consequence. Also it's great giving the kids a game too but also putting Howard in at home with the kids gives Bobby a get out clause for loosing at home again!! Getting people to front his demise with trying to lift spirits with "oh the joy of Howard and our youth" the kids should have been blooded already and know it's serious out on the pitch and not be scapegoats for what will be a hard day for Bobby with protests and unhappy fans, he needs cheers and he's using them for it. Disgusting carry on I think!!
Jim Bailey
62 Posted 29/04/2016 at 22:32:27
Eugene@35, stupid.
I have no idea why posters on here seem to fawn all over you.
Only been on here a few weeks, and yet I get the impression rightly or wrongly that you are held in high esteem.
If I felt the need to highlight any word or phrase as you seem to do on a regular occurence I would feel as if I was belittling my fellow fans.
We are not stupid(I am not stupid) and I do not need words highlighted or italliced in order for me to get your drift.
Get over yourself
Brin Williams
63 Posted 29/04/2016 at 22:46:00
Jim 62, When you've been on here a few more weeks you'll get really cross m8 - hope Eugene sorts you out before then.
Gary Poole
66 Posted 29/04/2016 at 23:34:30
Eugene - I feel like I know Wally Pittard personally! Jim Bailey - it's called humour, you should try it....
James Marshall
67 Posted 29/04/2016 at 00:06:34
Fine by me. Tim Howard being in goal was never the root of our problems anyway. Look at the results with Joel in goal - hasn't made a blind bit of difference has it?

Our problems go way beyond our goalkeeper, so good luck to Howard. He's been a good keeper for us for a long time and I think people should remember that.

This season is over and done with anyway. Sentimental yes, but isn't that what Evertonians are? I'm all for change and dropping all the blue tinted bullshit by the way. We do need to be more professional as a club but it doesn't make any difference who's in goal when we play the way we do.

James Marshall
68 Posted 30/04/2016 at 00:09:00
Oh and by the way, Jim Bailey - don't upset him, he'll use long words and italics like crazy to make you look a fool.

Eugene is the Daddy round these parts. What fuckin tool? ;)

Liam Reilly
69 Posted 30/04/2016 at 00:31:45
Sentimentality has no place in football. These guys are made very wealthy by this football club and in 10 years ; won fuck all.

Now I'm not saying that's Howards fault, but he's been in goal the whole time; so he's no hero.

Small club mentality

Don Alexander
70 Posted 30/04/2016 at 00:51:48
Jim @ 62, Eugene is one of us, like you and me, but sometimes makes witty comments as far as I'm concerned, and I welcome/need a laugh. "Get over yourself" is sage advice.
Gary Jones
71 Posted 30/04/2016 at 01:49:38
Phil 5, Wasn't Howard in goal at their place? How did that game end?
Gary Jones
73 Posted 30/04/2016 at 01:59:43
Jim@62, You're not Scottish are you, cause if you are watch out, Eugene is very good at what he posts.

Eugene, any updates about Moyes and his bride?

Jack Cross
74 Posted 30/04/2016 at 02:02:38
James Marshall (#68).

Loosen up for god's sake. Eugene is a very witty blue. After what we've been through this season, we could do with some laughter.

As for Howard being a good servant... average goalie I'd say. I mean, would Man Utd have got rid of the best? No, of course not. And that's the difference between success and failure.

Jack Cross
75 Posted 30/04/2016 at 02:22:40
No wonder we're the laughing stock of the Premier League.

It's like the farce of Moyes, still managing us although he'd gone go Man Utd.

Now we have a goalie who (would you fucking believe it) has also gone, and is playing in our last two home games!!! It's as if they're two friendly games.

Maybe the fans should get some kind of discount for these two matches? I mean what with the club it seems not taking the end of the season too seriously.

After all, this keeper (Howard did have to be replaced, didn't he?).

Phil Smith
76 Posted 30/04/2016 at 02:37:20
Jim Bailey, text is often italicised in order to indicate quotation or paraphrasing. Relax.
James Kirrane
77 Posted 30/04/2016 at 02:42:16
This is sentimentality. Another syrupy gesture from Martinez. A completely unprofessional decision. There are still points and prize money to play, so pick your best team. This just illustrates Martinez amateurishness and that is why he has to go!
David Barks
78 Posted 30/04/2016 at 03:21:36
James, sorry but no. This is the right thing to do. It's not like Howard is retiring or lost an arm and is therefor unable to perform in goal. Letting him play a couple of matches at home before he leaves after so many years is just the right thing and the classy thing to do. And honestly, has nothing to do with Martinez. He was rumored to have been forced into it with Distin and I would imagine he was reminded of that with Howard.
Phil Sammon
79 Posted 30/04/2016 at 04:16:56
Why bother?

Howard has already stated he has no regard for the opinions of those who've never played the game.

Jamie Crowley
80 Posted 30/04/2016 at 04:20:15
Jim Bailey -

Not picking a fight...

Eugene is probably one of the most intelligent posters on the site. The man has a brain - a really good one. That's my opinion, from reading his posts over the years.

I think you're wide of the mark. He's not bolding and italicizing to be all "look at me I'm fancy Dan", but rather to ensure his post comes across properly as he's trying to convey it.

I personally wish more people would use the bold and italics options. It helps convey tone.

Jamie is a stupid 'Merican
Jamie is a stupid 'Merican
Jamie is a stupid 'Merican
Jamie is a stupid 'Merican
Jamie is a stupid 'Merican

Despite the sophomoric (but very true) illustration above, tone is conveyed differently.

It's wise to highlight emphasis when and where needed in my humble opinion.

James Kirrane
81 Posted 30/04/2016 at 04:30:41
Dave will have to agree to disagree. Not sure about your ' has nothing to do with Martinez' comment. Surely he is the manager and is the person responsible for picking the team. He should always pick his strongest team regardless of the opposition. Robles in my opinion is a slightly better keeper so should get the nod.
Eric Myles
84 Posted 30/04/2016 at 06:03:38
James M (#67) my sentiments exactly.

Howard suffered a loss in form, the same as Barkley, Stones, Lukaku and others have, and Robles was rightly given a run in goal but the inherent problems remain.

Howard has been here 10 years and if he wasn't good enough would have been replaced a lot sooner. He's been a good goalie and a loyal Blue in that time and I hope our supporters show their appreciation when he plays.

Darren Hind
85 Posted 30/04/2016 at 06:39:51
Jim @48

You have once again ignored the facts and decided to go with a few carefully selected stats in what has become an admirable attempt at defending the indefensible.

Our points tally since Robles came in has far more to do with Lukaku and Barks forgetting where the net is than his performances, but then you already know that don't you ? We are conceding less without Howard, you know that too.

I have no objection to Howard playing the last two games. It was not his fault that Martinez stupidly persisted with him when he was clearly past his best.

Howard overcame tremendous odds to force his way into the team of the biggest club on earth. You cant do that without having a serious set of balls - and of course, ability, but he was shot LAST season and Martinez was as wrong as wrong can be to keep playing him in this.

The Man city game apart, Howard was simply awful this season and his performances were doing a damaged to the confidence of his team mates that will take some time to repair. A goalkeeper IS that important.

Never a great -IMO - Howard has still managed to have the Everton fans on there feet chanting USA with some memorable performances.

Rather than angrily reacting to the people who have called his performances for what they are. You may want to consider blaming the real culprit - That'll be the guy who was unable or unwilling to see your man has long since been finished at the top level.

I`ll be applauding the big fella today as he runs down the pitch today. I really hope he has two more of those memorable performances left in his locker.

Jamie @53

Dont worry mate. You're right of course, the crowd will be a hostile one today, but when Howard runs toward the Park End and and the Gwladys Street at the beginning of each half he will receive a very warm reception from both ends.

Mike Green
86 Posted 30/04/2016 at 07:52:29
Haha Eugene #35. Tell us more, 'The Pittards' could become a modern day equivalent to 'The Broons'.

As for Tim he's earned millions out of us but that's the gig, he's represented us professionally on and off the pitch and I for one wish him well.

Mike Hughes
87 Posted 30/04/2016 at 08:17:16
Jamie #80

Not picking a fight but how do you 'Mericans phrase it?

Butt-licker
Ass-licker
Kiss-ass
?

Just curious.

Brin Williams
89 Posted 30/04/2016 at 09:24:03
This would be my team for the final home game -

Howard
Hibbert
Gibson
Pienaar
Kone
Pittard (Wal)
Stones
Barkley
Niasse
Mirallas
Lukaku

In no particular order - let them chose their positions - tell them it's their farewell game and get on with it.

No bench just tell them , no stomach cramps, no 60 minute merchants, no twirls in the area, no flapping about and NO EXCUSES - adios.

Phil Roberts
90 Posted 30/04/2016 at 09:36:27
We could lose all 4 games and plummet to 16th place, the lowest finish for over 10 years, losing >£6m in prize money and can Martinez possibly survive in that scenario?

And thanks Tim. Farewell.

Ray Roche
91 Posted 30/04/2016 at 09:42:01
Although I'm glad Howard will get the opportunity to leave with, hopefully, a bit of style, two games is ridiculous, especially if other, relegation threatened clubs can point at us as fielding a weakened team. Just think if the boot were on the other foot and we were looking into the abyss of relegation and our rivals for the drop were playing the RS who then left out key players? ToffeeWeb would go into melt down!
I can't imagine Sunderland or Newcastle being delighted with this state of affairs when we play Norwich in what might well be a relegation decider, can you?
Tony Draper
92 Posted 30/04/2016 at 09:55:50
Oh come on !

We don't need a defence.
We don't really need a 'keeper.
We hardly need a midfield.
All we need is a striker popping the ball in the onion bag and the jobs done.

Why can't everyone see Roberto's masterplan ?

The whole town is clapping the marching band, but the only one marching in time is Roberto !

Paul Olsen
93 Posted 30/04/2016 at 10:05:02
Not a fan of bringing in lesser players just because...

What is the point really? He is a part of our history, not our future.

Mike Hughes
94 Posted 30/04/2016 at 10:06:48
Nothing against TH but treating PL games likes testimonials does lack professionalism.

Then again we seem to have been in holiday mode for some time now with the fitness issues etc.

Tony Abrahams
95 Posted 30/04/2016 at 10:12:20
Read Martinez, last week and his reasons for not bringing in Niasse, at the minute.

So full of contradictions... maybe it's Robles's turn to be punished, considering Distin only got the last 20 minutes of the very last game.

Phil Walling
97 Posted 30/04/2016 at 10:25:04
You are right, of course, Paul, Mike and others. Why not go the whole hog and feature Tim, Hibbo, Ossie and Pins in the Norwich match.

Just to give the side some zip, he could also include a sight of the future by giving Niassie his first start !

Charlie Lloyd
98 Posted 30/04/2016 at 10:39:54
If Howard is promised the last two homes games (what about Leicester away?) then I would suggest Martinez is going nowhere in the next few weeks.

Howard will possibly have his best games in ages and Martinez will be showering him with superlatives then convince him to give next season a go.

Then we convene next season with both of them still here.

Nightmare scenario.

Alan J Thompson
99 Posted 30/04/2016 at 10:44:33
Well, this really is the height of professionalism!
Mike Green
100 Posted 30/04/2016 at 10:48:14
Phil - you make a good point but there's a line between being a club with ethical standards and a club with mercenary standards and it might come at a cost but I'd prefer to stay on the right side of the line. Many on here demand the club shows the fans respect but then criticise it for showing it to a player that's given us 10 years. Besides, he's got as much chance in keeping a clean sheet as Joel, i.e. Zero...!
Eddie Dunn
101 Posted 30/04/2016 at 11:16:40
Tim might well agree with those above who think ten minutes v Norwich would suffice.

No Jags and missing the priceless covering of Barry, he can expect a busy afternoon.

Eugene Ruane
102 Posted 30/04/2016 at 11:18:43
Jim (62) - 'Eugene@35, stupid. I have no idea why posters on here seem to fawn all over you. Only been on here a few weeks, and yet I get the impression rightly or wrongly that you are held in high esteem. If I felt the need to highlight any word or phrase as you seem to do on a regular occurence I would feel as if I was belittling my fellow fans. We are not stupid(I am not stupid) and I do not need words highlighted or italliced in order for me to get your drift. Get over yourself'

Now that is a coincidence! In 1975 I left school and immediately applied to The Moscow State Circus for 'any job.' X Factor-style, I told them it was 'my dream' since the age of 5 to work in the circus and as they were the most famous circus in the world, I thought why not start at the top etc. Anyway much to my surprise, I got a response containing a rail ticket to Paris (the MSC spent the summer of 75 there). My duties to begin with were menial (to say the least) but, as I was very fit and supple back then, I began to watch the contortionist and try to imitate some of his moves. Long story short, he took an interest in me and 11 months later, I made my debut as 'the man who can get over himself.'

All a lifetime away now of course - eventually age caught up with me, my body just couldn't do it anymore, I had to look for something else.

Now I work at The Derek Zoolander Centre For Kids Who Can't Read Good (currently I'm learnin' the daffy little bastards how to spell words like occurrence and italicised).

Up the Toffees!

Phil Sammon
103 Posted 30/04/2016 at 11:23:18
Well that wasn't very funny.
James Marshall
104 Posted 30/04/2016 at 11:33:32
Jack@74

I've had my run-ins with he who shall not be named - I've never found him funny. Actually that's not strictly true, every once in a while he makes me laugh gently, but mostly it's just trolling - or as we used to call it back in the day, bullying.

Belittling fellow-supporters over and over and over and over again is just tiring, and I welcome any new challengers, such as Jim (I think it was Jim).

Said person lacks the ability to debate, and lacks the ability to accept that other people have a view that differs from his - he's also the ultimate pedant, and will spend an inordinate amount of time, probably with multiple browser windows open copying/pasting people's comments into his posts, then tearing them down bit by bit.

You watch him do it to this post. I try my best not to get sucked in to speaking to him these days, as it has resulted in multiple bans for me on TW. I just wish the children would learn to play nice in the playground.

Dave Pritchard
105 Posted 30/04/2016 at 11:35:35
Eugene is like marmite, some love him, some don't. I find his posts confusing at times. Maybe I am not intelligent enough to understand them.
James Marshall
106 Posted 30/04/2016 at 11:36:37
Yeah, that's also true. I don't like marmite.
Colin Glassar
107 Posted 30/04/2016 at 11:38:32
Phil 97, I listed my team yesterday but it appears to ave disappeared. Today I'd play;

Howard
Hibbo
Stones
Galloway
Baines
Lennon
Gibbo
Pienaar
Ossie
Kone
Niasse

I think if we're going to go down we should at least go down in flames with our boots on. Banzaiiiiiiiiiiii like

Jim Bailey
108 Posted 30/04/2016 at 11:39:58
Eugene@102
Contrived and long winded
No surprise there then
Please feel free to comment on my lack of punctuation
Eugene Ruane
109 Posted 30/04/2016 at 12:04:06
Jim (108) - 'Contrived and long winded'

That's what they said to Tolstoy after War And Peace was written.

(and it didn't do her any harm)

Colin Glassar
110 Posted 30/04/2016 at 12:09:45
Correct me if I'm wrong but until the RAE was created, about 200 years ago, Spanish was written without full stops, commas and even semi-colons'.
John Pickles
111 Posted 30/04/2016 at 12:20:16
........ What about the concept of Defending, Colin? Or is that a more recent Spanish omission?
Colin Glassar
112 Posted 30/04/2016 at 12:27:55
I read the article and couldn't believe the stubbornness of the man John. He really is suicidal, in football terms, if he doesn't care about defending and keeping clean sheets. To be honest, I only read half of it as I was feeling slightly nauseous.

This PR offensive is really getting on my wick and has BK written all over it. All these "interviews" are all orchestrated by the Everton hierarchy which to me shows he still has their full backing.

Correction: The RAE was formed 300 years ago.

Tom Bowers
113 Posted 30/04/2016 at 12:29:50
Yep it's not a meaningless game when you still need safety points. I have no problem with putting Howard back in because he has been a credit to the team and the club despite all the garbage players in front of him over the years.

Yes, he has made mistakes but even the best of them are not perfect but some fans are too quick to blame the keeper when things go wrong. verton's problems have been well documented on this site over the years and none more than this season and the disappointments we have all felt. Frankly nothing has changed and whatever happens today the club cannot cover up the ineptitude of the board nor the manager.

Like many other seasons Everton have failed to beat the top teams such as Leicester, Man.City, Manure, Spurs, Arsenal or even Redshite.

Sadly 5 of Everton's 9 wins have come against the bottom feeders Villa, Sunderland and Newcastle. which is a very poor aspect.

Nuff said!!!

Phil Sammon
114 Posted 30/04/2016 at 12:34:11
'Correct me if I'm wrong but until the RAE was created, about 200 years ago, Spanish was written without full stops, commas and even semi-colons'.'

Semi-colon. Not a bad adjective to describe Eugene.

Jamie Crowley
115 Posted 30/04/2016 at 12:34:29
Mike @ 87 -

Usually ass-kisser is the phraseology here in the good ol' USA.

Now be a good man and grab a shoe-horn and help me pry my tongue out of Eugene's ass.

Phil Sammon
116 Posted 30/04/2016 at 12:36:27
...And coming off the back of a posting ban...I sincerely hope that comment is taken in jest, as intended.
Eric Myles
117 Posted 30/04/2016 at 12:39:34
Colin (#110) even today Thai is written without punctuation capitalisation sentences or paragraphs structure not only that it's written in funny squiggles
Andy Meighan
118 Posted 30/04/2016 at 12:44:38
Eugene (#35), that's probably about right because he would never drop Lukaku, would he?
Phil Walling
119 Posted 30/04/2016 at 12:47:08
Welcome back, Phil. Is it the name that attracts these bans or appearing to fall out with a certain gentleman ?

Either way, I'm sure we've both learned our lesson !

Brian Denton
120 Posted 30/04/2016 at 12:50:12
He's quite capable of defending himself, but Eugene is one of the few contributors (Phil Walling is another, coming from a completely different mindset) whose posts I look forward to reading. Yes, there's the occasional turkey - the Moscow State Circus anecdote not one of your finest, Eugene - but there are also nuggets of gold. Exhibit A 'Moyes on Holiday'.

Keep on keeping on Eugene (but I'm sure you will, anyway).

Colin Glassar
121 Posted 30/04/2016 at 12:55:48
A bit like Sanskrit Eric? Is it true that Roberto now does his pre-game talk in Latin? I've heard Ross is getting his Cicero mixed up with his Pliny.
Brian Denton
122 Posted 30/04/2016 at 13:00:37
Colin, you've been listening to the wrong rumours mate. Ross has been known to confuse Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger, but that's understandable.

Regarding Roberto's philosophy, I did hear someone citing Kant at him, but I may have misheard.

Colin Glassar
123 Posted 30/04/2016 at 13:07:25
Roscoe would be better off studying Marcus Aurelius then Brian. MA wouldn't be Roberto's cup of tea though as he knew how to defend as well as attack.
Damian Wilde
124 Posted 30/04/2016 at 13:07:36
What did Phil get banned for and whom did he 'fall out with'?

Some crazy postings on here at times, but some quite witty.

Brian Denton
125 Posted 30/04/2016 at 13:12:11
Damian, I presume Phil (which?) fell out with Eugene. Most people do at some time or other!

I got sat on the naughty stool once for calling a contributor a 'troll', because he had made disparaging remarks about the Hillsborough Enquiry. Shit happens!

Eddie Dunn
126 Posted 30/04/2016 at 13:39:10
Brian, does Kant play for Leicester?
Mark Gardiner
127 Posted 30/04/2016 at 13:41:16
Show's you have much we are being run by amateurs. We have a manager in charge that should have been sacked months ago and despite tumbling down the league we'll have a semi-retired goalkeeper between the sticks who is leaving at the end of the season because playing him is a nice gesture.
Jim Hardin
128 Posted 30/04/2016 at 13:52:30
Brian 50,

The reply was in reference to a specific post man, Read it again. It was an attempt at humour to rebuff the snide off-the-cuff remark of the poster was misplaced. He is gone. He is not the #1 keeper. Robles needs every minute to show why he is or is not the #1 keeper. His form and performances will dictate that so keep him in.

What possible good is there in trotting out Howard by RM other than to generate good will? Howard should get his 15 minutes and recieve his ovation. Anything else is unfair to the both of them and Howard has earned better treatment than that for his service and Robles has done nothing to deserve being on the receiving end of such treatment either.

Darren, knew you would come roaring in. Relax man. Shouldn't you be sharpening your sword for the charge of the 500 Mainstandians today to take over the director's box?

It was an attempt at humour in response to a poster who said essentially Everton still need points to be mathematically safe. My God Darren, either you have no funny bone or are still reeling from Amit's posts on another thread so have decided to ratchet up your dog-to-a-bone attacks and responses.

Did you notice Darren, that I indicated that I don't want Howard to play except for 15 minutes in the last home game. The team is not his, the spot is not his.

Damian Wilde
129 Posted 30/04/2016 at 13:53:43
Yes I have too Brian! Can't upset one of Michael's pal's :D
Julie Naybour
130 Posted 30/04/2016 at 13:55:32
Shame on you all!. Tim Howard has been a good servant to our club for years and despite recent despicable abuse from his own fans, is still declaring his loyalty and heart to the club we love so much. He has said he is and always will be a Blue and as far as I'm concerned is one of us. Yet you're still reluctant to give him the send off he deserves.

Some people on this site will find bad in anything anyone ever does. Now I'm sure I'll receive a barrage of abuse but I don't care. Loyalty deserves acknowledgement and Time Howard deserves this send off.

Damian Wilde
131 Posted 30/04/2016 at 14:06:09
Julie, I think most would agree he's been a fantastic servant for the club and deserves a good send off. But there's a much bigger picture at play here (Re: getting rid of the man ruining our club), just unfortunate it clashes.
Darren Hind
132 Posted 30/04/2016 at 14:30:09
Jim

Did you notice I said some very nice things about your guy ? . . No ?

Did'nt thinks so

Also reeling form Amits posts ? you have to be kidding. he'd have had to have been right once or twice for them to even have registered

Off to give the your boy a nice warm send off . .and an offer to drive him to the airport

Simon Smith
133 Posted 30/04/2016 at 17:41:50
With Tim Howard moving back to the States to prolong his footballing career, no doubt Everton will be on the lookout for yet another man to put between the sticks!
But my question to you all is this:

Has Joel Robles done enough to keep his place next season and become our new No 1? Or should we look to keep him as a No 2 and seek a replacement?

I for one think he has certainly done enough to remain our first-choice keeper, and unless a truly world class keeper at a knock-down price became available, I would be happy for the powers that be to leave him as our first choice goalie.

Of course, this is all dependent on what our new management may feel, should it change...
Jamie Crowley
134 Posted 30/04/2016 at 20:33:22
Julie -

Will you marry me?

I currently have a wife and 5 sons but we can move to Utah and make this work.

Andy Crooks
135 Posted 30/04/2016 at 21:02:56
Julie # 130, players who earn 40k a week are not "loyal servants", they are transient well paid hired hands.
Les Netherwood
136 Posted 30/04/2016 at 23:38:14
Typical Martinez ploy.......I thought we had said goodbye to this hopeless goalkeeper when Martinez finally dropped him after numerous poor performances.

Good riddance....can't wait for him to go.

Darren Hind
137 Posted 01/05/2016 at 07:34:00
Andy @135

Harsh and cynical. the guys upped sticks and flew across the Atlantic because he is blue to the core.

When he was signing a contract which would make him a multi millionaire. Money was the last thing on his mind.

I see he kept his averages going yesterday. I can only remember one shot at him and it ended up in the back of the net.

Jim

I know you struggle with "British humour" (when it suits you) but you will be very pleased to hear that your man received a fantastic reception. I suspect they will cheer even louder when he's played his last game.

Tony Draper
138 Posted 01/05/2016 at 11:46:45
OK seems that this thread demands fealty with Mr Marmite aka Eugene Ruane.

Well sod off !

I like Marmite, but not with everything. Strawberries, for instance, don't benefit from a smidgeon of the divisive yeast extract, but then they are very, very red (unlike Mr R).

TW however, does greatly benefit from Eugene's contributions and would be more palid, dry and conformist without him. A fellow Mainstander and I remarked upon that only yesterday prior to the match.

I don't need to agree with every single utterance of every contributor or post on TW, sometimes I need to laugh when tears are all that I can find, sometimes I need to see a different view when I'm blind-eyed, sometimes I just need blue mates around me 'cos no-one seems to understand.

TW without Harold is smaller.

If Eugene gets up yer nostrils, then grow a pair, or better still go on eBay and buy your self a sense of fucking humour, 'cos you'll bloody well need one to be a Toffee !

Jack Farrell
139 Posted 01/05/2016 at 19:30:21
Call me a cynic, but, has this got anything to do with a certain Spanish goal keeper liking a certain tweet last weekend?
Phil Walling
140 Posted 01/05/2016 at 19:35:20
No, Jack, probably more to do with Uncle Bill insisting we give Our Tim a decent send off.

Perhaps that's why he is giving us time to say good boy to 'What a Manager'!

Colin Glassar
141 Posted 02/05/2016 at 19:49:49
True or false that Ossie is one game off breaking into a select group of Everton players who've appeared in 350 games plus?

I read somewhere that he will be only the 10th Everton player to have achieved this. If so, I hope he gets to make an appearance in the next three games.

Graham Mockford
142 Posted 02/05/2016 at 20:05:16
Colin #141

Correct Ossie is on 349 league appearances. This puts him number 14 on the all time list, 3 behind Tim Howard who is next on the list.

The list in full is

Southall 578
Sagar 463
Labone 451
Watson 423
Farrell 422
Taylor. 400
Dean. 399
Eglington 394
Lyons 389
Jones. 383
Fielding. 380
Ratcliffe 359
Howard 352
Osman. 349

In terms of all time appearances he is actually number 11 all time two games behind Dixie Dean.


I sometimes think that is worth remembering that a player with so many games for a team that has played more top flight games than any other side in the history of football.

And actually on this forum probably most derided player of any we have ever had. But of course in this day and age every fucking idiots opinion gets an airing.

Jim Hardin
143 Posted 04/05/2016 at 19:40:56
Darren,

One goal against = 3 points and mathematical safety from relegation. Please send your thank you to Tim ASAP as he will be departing soon and I am sure that you owe him that much at least. Hmmmm?

Darren Hind
144 Posted 05/05/2016 at 05:02:54
Jim,

I am grateful. Howard is doing the only good thing he can do for Everton. He's doing one.

I'm also grateful to the fella at Colorado who offered him this deal – he's either a mug or an Evertonian.

And finally Jim, I'm grateful to you, Your weekly defence of "Spoonfeet" has been a complete Joy.

How about one more excuse for old times sake... Talk us through how the only shot on goal (a weak mis-hit trickler) somehow found its way past him for Bournemouth's equaliser.

Jim Hardin
145 Posted 05/05/2016 at 19:28:51
Darren,

Please Darren, I am honored and all but I don't need your thank you, Tim does. Surely, you will be able to forward it to him before he leaves. If not, please send to :
Tim Howard
Captain America Blvd
HisTown, Colorado #1

If Timmy receives a knighthood for service to the Crown before he leaves, then make it Sir Captain America please.

Is it that Howard is leaving to go to a first place team in the conference. Is that what is making you so bitter?

I cannot fathom the reasons for how negative you are towards a player who is so much better than you give him credit for. The back of Timmy's card is full of stats showing an above average to very good career. His career and his professionalism need no defense except against the commentary of the blind, ignorant, or criminally stupid. On second thought, save the reasons as I don't care really.

I can't wait for next season to see which player you pick to blame for your favorites' errors and inadequacies once Howard is gone. Glad you will have the entire offseason to sharpen your sticks to a fine point.

There are the bones Darren, gnaw on them as you wish.


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