Howard given final two home games as farewell

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

So many divisive influences in our dressing room nowadays.

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

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.

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.

"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!!"

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!!!

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

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

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 :)

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.

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.

Club and supporters interest should come first second and always.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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

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

Eugene, any updates about Moyes and his bride?

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.

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?).

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Butt-licker
Ass-licker
Kiss-ass
?

Just curious.

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.

And thanks Tim. Farewell.

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 !

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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

(and it didn't do her any harm)

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.

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!!!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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.

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

Will you marry me?

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

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

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.

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 !

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.