'The incredible Tim Howard'

, 24 September, 9comments  |  Jump to most recent
This one fell through the cracks last week but it's a nice write-up of Everton's first-choice stopper from the Stateside version of ESPN.

Among a number of quotable snippets, the American, who made his 189th consecutive Premier League start against Swansea on Saturday, says:

"This is such a hardworking, no-nonsense team, as blue-collar as it comes," he explains with a quiet pride. "Everyone respects us.

Supporters of other clubs always tell me they cheer for Everton when their team is not playing."

Quotes or other material sourced from ESPN



Reader Comments (9)

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Marcus Choo
1 Posted 25/09/2012 at 04:27:58
I think I may have read it somewhere before (maybe even TW), but there could be marketing opportunity here...

"Everton: everybody's 2nd favourite team"

Mick Davies
2 Posted 25/09/2012 at 05:33:10
Until we start winning things, then they'll all hate us. Let's hope they all hate us at the end of this season
Paul Gladwell
3 Posted 25/09/2012 at 06:42:51
I was saying the same thing on Saturday night in the pub,I have been a massive critic of Kenwright and his bullshit, however there have been quite a few things of late were the club has just looked classy and outsiders have got onto it too.
Throw in getting close to the big boys with no money and a ground that reminds people of a real football club, however if we ever do start winning things it would change like it has for Man City.
Eric Myles
4 Posted 25/09/2012 at 07:22:59
With only 2 seasons left on his contract we really need to be thinking about his permanent replacement.

Either a youngish (24~28) goalie to be groomed to take over from him or an experienced one that can share the games with him.

Vorm would be a good replacement if Swansea get relegated this season (or Reina?).

Glen Anderson
5 Posted 25/09/2012 at 08:43:50
Eric, he stated in the article that his contract is up in 2016. I do think we need a replacement for Mucha though, who I would expect to leave us.

Butland is the answer I reckon. Get him in, loan him out to play real football for a couple of years, then he can fight Howard for the #1 shirt.

Chris James
6 Posted 25/09/2012 at 09:05:34
I think the missed opportunity here is with an American audience. What Howard is saying about the 'blue collar' team I'm assuming refers to the work ethic and the honesty (surely not too many blue collar workers on £50K p/week! ;-)) and I think that really resonates with the American social ideology based on protestant/puritan worth ethic and the idea that anyone can make it if they have the dream and are prepared to commit.

Combine this with our ties with high profile US players (Howard and Donovan being the stars, but historically also the likes of Joe Max Moore and Brian McBride too) and even ex-stars like Cahill playing MLS and previous pre-season trips plus now the Nike shirt deal and I believe there's a big marketing opportunity for us there, especially right now when we're playing such good football.

From what I've heard The PL is really starting to catch hold in the US, partly in no doubt due to the US-ownership of Liverpool, Villa and Utd (and of course it's unlikely we can compete on an even footing with their connections), so it seems like an ideal time for a sustained marketing push of brand Everton and perhaps a US distribution hub for merchandising, etc combined with a pre-season trip.

Toffeeweb's idea about setting up the US section here is easily something that could be emulated on the official site (and for fan groups worldwide) and I'm sure there are 50 other cool ideas that could be implemented easily (tie-ins with sports bars for big games, engagement with big US sites like the bleacher report that like us, some sort of marketing campaign to promote Everton membership/Everton TV, organised Everton tour packages including flight, hotel, game and stadium tour) to help support if we employed someone on the ground out there.

In terms of Howard himself, I think he's one of the top keepers in the division and gets a lot of undue stick. If you can name someone who doesn't drop the odd clanger I'd be keen to see it (Hart was poor for Madrid's goals for instance, wonderboy De Gea is struggling to get into the first team and even the amazing Vorm let in 3 last week I heard).
We do need an understudy and I agree that Butland could be an option at a reasonable price and it seemed the club were interested, although to be fair we've not got a good track record of bringing young keepers through in recent years, Ruddy, Turner, Simonsen.

Eric Myles
7 Posted 25/09/2012 at 10:28:53
Right Glen, I was thinking it's 2016 in 2 years!!

I thought we had more time than that.

Other things on my mind with it being my last day at work!!

Andy Whittingham
8 Posted 25/09/2012 at 12:05:57
I can see Tim Howard playing at the top level until he's 39-40 - he doesn't look like a 33 year old.. I think our proposed bid for Butland would have been perfect timing (for him and us), loaning him out to a championship side for the next couple of years for that experience that all young goalkeepers need.
Peter Warren
9 Posted 25/09/2012 at 18:36:01
Would love to get Butland. Howard is a v good solid keeper not great but I love his attitude too.

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