Martinez denies MLS approach for Howard

And it would leave us with only Joel and no goalkeeper signing seemingly on the horizon.

I have no other option than to follow Everton the bastardized way – on TV. But even on television you can see it... I have never, ever, in my short (is a year shy of a decade "short"?) time following Everton seen the Gwlady's street end get on someone like they have Howard. You can hear it on the television – the mock cheers when he catches a simple ball out of the air off his line, the groans and disapproval when he stays rooted on his line, and the abuse he receives lately when he makes a mistake.

You can debate all you want if he should be treated with contempt but one thing's for sure – his time is 100% up. When the fans make up their minds?...

Hell, even being MotM against City and playing a stellar game like that can't reverse the sentiment.

He needs to move on. This summer at the latest. Back home to the US with the Rapids works well enough...

Take Bobby too!

http://www.denverpost.com/rapids/ci_29431108/zac-macmath-rapids-new-starting-goalkeeper-hopes-help

$130k is about a fortnight's wages for Howard, I'd have thought.

His abilities now are well suited to MLS, which is basically five-a-side on full sized pitches. No physical contact for the goalkeepers, and lots of one-on-one shot stopping. Perfect.

Just like the film The Creed, it's just keeping the badge and getting the name of Everton FC noticed out there until we get bought. It's all about trying to sell this club.

This.

It's not Roberto's money and every manager has his hits and misses with signings. But Tim didn't get 4 years at age 34 without Roberto having some input.

Tim's main strength was his terrific athleticism AND Moyes building a formidable defense in front of him. These, combined, mitigated his weaknesses in and around the box. Both those things are gone now and have been.

Competition for the starting position should have happened in pre-season. But, Roberto was stuck due to OKing the 4-year deal. He'd have to explain to the owners why his 4-year deal man (with a pay rise, to boot) was sitting and watching the game with the rest of us so soon into his new contract.

So, the team, us, and yes, Tim too are left to hang out to dry because nothing can ever be our manager's fault. He won't take the responsibility for this mess, either.

I always liked Howard. Back when you couldn't get Everton on TV unless they were playing Man Utd or Arsenal, I always checked Everton's box-scores to see if we'd gotten a clean-sheet. When he was installed as our 1st 11 keeper prior to the 2006 World Cup, he was always a model spokesman and genuine team leader for the National Side. 2010 and 2014, too. And it was him personally who raised Everton's profile in the States. Anyone following our Men's Team knew who Everton was because of Tim.

It's all too bad. He's had to go for a while now and no doubt of it. But it's on Roberto for not doing anything about it.

If the Board determines that a 34-year-old, indisputably declining goalkeeper is worthy of a 4-year extension, then shame on them, yet again.

Martinez and the Board have again managed things with their customary incompetence. Howard has been a brilliant keeper for us but it looks like his time is now up. However he won't go without some serious compensation.

Yet another Martinez cock-up and until he's gone we'll have to put up with many more. He'll not be going anywhere either though, he'll not get another job in top flight football.

I'd keep Howard every day of the week provided Martinez was shown the door first.

1) The approach to sign Howard would come from MLS not Colorado as all the contracts are owned by MLS;

2) Colorado just traded their goalkeeper last week to Toronto.

Here's wishing this comes true...