ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

Tim Howard

In all the praise that seems to be going round various players at the moment, I thought it overdue that Tim Howard got a mention. Since we signed him, he has been outstanding and has really grown into one of the best keepers in the Premier League.

Nigel Martyn apart, since Big Nev we've seen a number of nervous-looking keepers between the sticks but we actually look really strong there at the moment. Even Wessels, who a few years back would have looked quite solid compared to what we have, is nowhere near Howard.

Seems to command his box very well, organising defenders, taking crosses and being a great shot stopper. There has been the odd goal where people may wonder if he could have done better but all keepers have them.
Aigburth Blue, Aigburth Posted 09/11/2007 at 23:38:22

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Lee Rogers
1 Posted 10/11/2007 at 00:08:27

I also thought that Nuno Valente had a good game

Ray Nickson
2 Posted 10/11/2007 at 06:30:06

Agree regarding his goal keeping skils but why does he have to launch the ball back to the opposing keeper at every opportunity? Possession surrendered almost immediately after the rest of the team had worked hard to cushion the ball back to him....Playing to orders??

Dave Park
3 Posted 10/11/2007 at 07:59:29

Another conspiracy theory, Ray?

I thought the same about his kicking on Thursday and shouted at the TV about taking a little bit off the kick in order to include the midfield. However, another way to look at it is, could the midfield not anticipate where the ball is likely to land and assist the forward further up the field.

Just a thought

COYB

George Toogood
4 Posted 10/11/2007 at 10:47:55

Better than average shotstopper but no genius.Would put him well behind Martyn and in the Unibond League as compared with Big Nev.His distribution-whether to orders or not simply sucks.
Just remember, he’s paid to stop shots and shouldn’t merit praise merely for doing his one dimentional job.

Stig Meacham
5 Posted 10/11/2007 at 10:50:40

Nice one, AB; I beg to concur!

Having broken my ankle and fifth metatarsal (Heyup, Timbo!) and being left stranded in the ER for hours on end the other week, I was so psyched to find an article in the tremendously boring Sports Illustrated about our keeper.

What a class act he is, on and off the pitch. Proud he’s one of us, and yeah, he was stellar yesterday. I can deal with the long punts as long as he keeps making the saves he did...

...and of course I ripped the pages out of the mag; the action photo looks great on the fridge.

James Elworthy
6 Posted 10/11/2007 at 15:30:13

Howard has played well for us apart from a spell last season were a number of long distance shots went past him.
He is a great shot stopper from close range. I think too he needs to improve on his distribution side, he does prefer to hoof it to much.
We have had 2 good goalies since Big Nev, Howard and Martyn. Neither can compare with the Binman though because Big Nev was one of the all time best.