Martinez hails Robles after win over Bournemouth

I suppose the phrase is "better late than never"?

If Howard has been encouraging Robles in what goes on behind the scenes, then of course it is to his credit, who knows. But it still smacks of the manager refusing to acknowledge in any sense that Howard has not performed well for a long time and simply cannot resist the opportunity to keep Howard in "the public's eye" at all costs.

This loss of form happens, footballers are people, not Rolls Royce engines. There is no need to camouflage it. But yet again we get the usual inane hyperbole such as Howard "has been an incredible influence on Joel allowing him to be relaxed and allow him to be calm".

It suggests Howard is more of a sedative than a goalkeeper. While he was at it why not carry on with highlighting the role of goalkeeping coaches, fitness staff, "sports psychologists" keeping Robles calm while sitting and watching Howard's decline this season etc?

Just congratulate Robles and let the lad bask in a little of his own glory, however temporary it may be!

This tells us one of two things; either our players aren't talented enough to know what to do with a football at their feet (and that cannot be true given our wins with less possession), or he is unable to coach them to victory even if they succeed in complying with his fetish for possession.

Other top clubs do not tolerate season after season of unchanging tactics that produce no upturn in success.

But we do.

Even if he now gets us into a Europa League position in the league it'll only reinforce my anger at what might have been but for his repetitive stupidity.

If we win the FA Cup I'll take a trip to the Town Hall steps............... in fact, I'd be glad to.

Jesus, that's just awful! Take the fucking charlatan out back and flog him! How dare he say such a thing!

Where's Jim Hardin?

When he goes for a cross and misses it, we still need defenders on the goal-line, and they still got a couple of free uncontested headers in the box, so there is still a lot of improvement at the back to come.

Lennon was not as effective as in previous games. How well did Distin play he looks a lot fitter and for a 38-year-old still has a lot of pace, Lukaku got away from him for his goal so perhaps it was the right time for him to move on. I noticed how all the Everton players went up to him at the end and there was massive smiles all round.

The idea that Roberto is somehow "diluting" his praise and "spoiling" Robles's great moment by mentioning Howard's mentorship is sheer, blathering idiocy... the sort of thumb-sucking pop psychology that would make a basset hound roll his eyes.

Howard is a pure class guy... has never been anything but class... and does anybody doubt for a moment that he would give his pure, unstinting support to Robles?

Stewart (#6) is partly right that Joel has always looked a bit nervous, but I think he looks more calm and confident now, and if the manager says Howard has helped make that happen, why do you doubt it?

And Joel Robles, for his part, appears to be a great and very modest kid who has the genuine affection of his teammates (evidence their reactions to the penalty save). Do you really think the manager's two little sentences crediting Howard's help will ruin anything for him? Utterly and patently ridiculous.

I still have questions about whether Joel Robles is our future #1 for the reason Stewart cited – he's even more lost on high balls than Howard ever was – but I'm looking forward to watching him establish himself. And if Timmy is his de factor keeper coach, all the better.

There is more confidence to the defence and less likelihood for us to have heart wrenching cock-ups between goalkeeper and centre-backs.

I like Tim too. He's been bloody good for us for a long time, but, I think that we have failed him in two very serious ways:

1) WE should have established him as a US National Hero; it would have paid his wages numerous times over and in so doing made Everton the Premier League club that US kids want to play for. He became a US Hero almost accidentally.

2) We really needed to supply him with the best goalkeeper coaching, because he really isn't far short of being a true great....

He has stacks of natural ability and, as a consequence, when he falls short, he gets treated like a local lad.

Tim Howard isn't as good as he could be and, unless Joel Robles gets better coaching, he won't become as good as he really should be.

When it comes to all maters "goalkeeping", there will always be debate, simply because they are the last line of defence. Surely, if we need the best to coach our keepers, then Big Nev must have a part to play? But no... The truth is that Big Nev, despite being the very greatest 'keeper in the World, isn't a gifted coach.

So does that mean that he has no part to play?Surely a few sessions occasionally with "The Six Yard Dragon" would benefit our 'keepers? It wouldn't make 'em worse would it?

When will the agony end? When Roberto evolves and learns, which is highly unlikely. I can't help think what the players are feeling and thinking through all of the last two seasons. They have to work with the guy...

We heard mutterings about the Distin issue, Mirallas also seems to be out of favour (of which he doesn't do himself any), and now we hear whisperings of Baines getting frozen out.

We are not born... we are tortured!

Our new unofficial motto there, Gary. Hits home with more poignant accuracy than that "It's the hope that kills you" – which I could never get any feeling for.

Mike (#12), does Tim do a lot of work for charity that goes un-noticed?

I respect Howard for getting to the top, whilst suffering from Tourette's, which must surely affect his concentration. He's also the great American hero, after his exploits in the last World Cup but I don't for one minute think he's in touch with the common people, which is the real sign of a pure class person to me.

Is Joel good enough? I'm not sure, but I thought he was one of the worse keepers I had ever seen until he got a run in the team last year. His improvement has been massive, and he's also a man mountain with a big physical presence – he looked huge in his goal for the pen!

People have said we missed out on Butland. He was very erratic for a few seasons and many keepers are. They need to play consistently to gain confidence or have it eroded, whatever the case may be, performance wise.

He deserves to see the season out. It can't be easy sitting there month after month, year upon year and watching your so-called superior playing less than stellar and not getting a shot. Yes, they get a nice wage but most want to play surely. The mini runs he has had in the team, for me, are positive so let's see where we are come May, with him still hopefully between the sticks.

Jim Hardin will no doubt come along shortly to support the views of Mike and Jamie, but the evidence is becoming overwhelming: after spending the entire season defending like Keystone cops, we are now looking solid, keeping clean sheets.

There is a very good reason Robles does not have as much to do as Howard: he concentrates, focuses, he does what all good goalkeepers should do, he communicates with the men in front of him. Goalkeepers see everything, their view is unique, nothing goes on behind them. The very best of them will pull their defenders here there and everywhere. Howard simply walks up and down his line trying to counter his sleep disorder by kicking fuck out of his posts.

Sanity has finally prevailed. Howard is out. The arrogance with which he has dismissed the views of his critics, is now being laid bare. Even if Robles turns out to be distinctly average, he is still a massive improvement. Thank goodness Howard has shown his "class" by "allowing" Joel to be relaxed and calm.

It wasn't always this way; before his arrogant outburst's Howard was a popular figure amongst the ranks, chants of USA USA were common place. He was never brilliant, but fans tend to overlook mistakes if a player is contrite and shows he wants to put it right. They will never tolerate being told that they don't know what they are talking about.

Roberto on the penalty...
"A special performance from Joel Robles. I thought it was magnificent how he controlled the moment."

Joel Robles appears to be everything that Tim Howard is NOT at this present moment.

Late on in the second half, Robles anticipated a low ball across the 6-yard box, dived out for it, and held it. Poor Tim, 2015-16 model, would probably have stayed on his line hoping for the best.

Thanks Tim, but to quote Roy Orbison, "It's oooooover...."

Now going to spend the rest of the day controlling some moments...

Big Nev had more than a few crap games for us when he was contesting "the magnificent" Jim Arnold for the right to wear Everton's Number One jersey.

What Joel does have is that extra quality, namely, command. Won't make an ordinary 'keeper a superb one, but it does make the difference between the top 'keepers and the elite.

"It's rubbish, isn't it? He's destroyed the lad – he'll be on his way in the summer."

Neville got it half-right. It was rubbish, perverse, and has held us back this season. But it didn't destroy the lad; Joel kept his head, performed well when called on, and now has a chance to really stake his claim for the future. Good for him.

The penalty save was brilliant and the save that he cut out along the six-yard line was a brave one – something Howard would've completely fucked up!

Not like him to detract from anything Everton, eh?

If Howard plays again, it should be in the final 15 minutes of the final league game as a goodbye gesture.

I cannot believe he really understands what he says. He likes to talk and the more he does the more crap comes out of his mouth.

Robles guessed correctly and saved the penalty, and now he's the greatest thing since sliced-bread!

Come out and say that Howard has made so many errors this last couple of seasons that you should have made the goalkeeper situation a priority – Robles should have stayed in the team when he was performing better than Howard; I for one would have more respect for you.

The reason Howard has been dropped is either someone at the club has had a word with Martinez, or he himself had finally realised that, if he treats Evertonians as fools, it will be his downfall.

As I have said many times – I desperately want Martinez to succeed but when he keeps coming out with all this over-the-top crap, I desperately want him gone.

Scoring goals, and not conceding goals, are the two most important things when it comes to playing football. Possession is great, when you have got a purpose, but if that's your main aim, then I'm sure it must take concentration away from more serious matters sometimes.

Take Roberto's after match comments with a pinch of salt, and you can actually feel a bit of confidence filtering through your veins, in away games at least.

The biggest challenge for Roberto is to get the team playing well at home, if he is to convince us he can be a half-decent manager. The last two seasons at home, he's been an absolute failure... and I've no idea how he can put things right. Maybe by adding class players with a genuine goal threat ?

But, purely from a psychological point of view, he looks bigger and more imposing and thereby just appears harder to beat. He's quicker off his line, more vocal and has better distribution too.

He's learning, and that can only be good for us.

As for the comment about Howard, of course he's having an influence on Robles. As much as so many of you lot hate him, he's still a hugely experienced 'keeper who appears to love the club. I have no doubt he'll be support Robles and helping him through this period, and it's right for Martinez to highlight that.

Let's just hope Bobby's finally decided to give the permanent number one spot to Joel. We're much better for it.

Howard should definitely be our second keeper, but his influence with his many years experience on young Joel should be welcomed and recognized.

We are born... Ultimately to be tortured by "the bitter ones".

Find some sunshine... in Blighty, many of you need it.

Jamie Crowley
'Merican
Joel backer and Howard aficionado

The guy is a clown who cannot just keep things simple (rather like his defensive tactics). Why does he still have a job at our club?

All I want to see now from the rest of our season is for the twat to be shown the door. Sorry, people, but we won't win the FA Cup and whilst I don't want us to be beaten in the competition, I just want Martinez Out! This is torture !!!

The attacking play (at times) is slow and laboured. But there is no question that the defence has tightened up. Robles has to be given a huge slice of credit for that. Shame that Martinez did not start playing Joel around November. We just might have found ourselves in a very interesting league position. All conjecture.....yes. But who knows?

Just a little curve ball here... My top 5 Everton keepers. I can only pick from those that I have seen, and this is just my own humble opinion. And I stress that some of these keepers made an impression on me as a youngster.

Neville SouthallGordon WestNigel MartynGeorge Woods and (wait for it).......David Lawson.

Not a Tim Howard in sight... and far to early to judge Robles. Pat Jennings would have been great for Everton, but unfortunately he was collecting a pension when he signed for the Toffees.

50-odd years supporting and following all over Europe my "local" team, to be called " bitter" by some yank who has in the great scheme of things been supporting the club for 5 minutes.

I take offence at the "bitter" comment, pal...

As for the goalkeeping coaches at Finch Farm, they have done nothing to improve Timmy over the last couple of seasons; if I was Robles, I'd be giving them a wide berth as well.

He has been doing this in his home states of New Jersey and Texas, so you wouldn't have been aware of it in the UK.

What can a keeper with 20 Premier League appearances learn from a keeper with nearly 400? Plus 100 international caps and a couple of World Cups?

Are you kidding with this?

What I was defending was Roberto's comment about Howard helping Joel.

On another note, I can totally see why we sold Duffy to Blackburn. Oh dear...

The problem I had this season was with Martinez for picking an out-of-form player. It wasn't Howard's fault he was getting picked. It was the same with Barry last season; if they are not performing, you drop them. It is that simple.

If Roberto keeps bigging up Robles then we will have another Stones situation where Stones (and I like the lad) thinks he is better than he really is. He is a developing talent.

I just wish Martinez would stop talking drivel... I did not see the point of even mentioning Howard in his post match summary. Would he have mentioned any other player? RM just does not do himself any favours......

Great support yesterday by the Blues away contingent.

Don't get me wrong. I don't want to see him ever pull on an EFC shirt until the last minute of the last home game of the season to get a round of applause for his efforts in the couple of years either side of 2010.

I can't think of anything, except he will definitely learn from his dozens of mistakes.

As for what he could teach Robles, RM says he has helped keep him calmer and more confident, and Joel has certainly looked more of both recently. Maybe you think RM is making that up?

Plus until last season Howard was statistically ranked as one of the best penalty stoppers in the world – I still remember the look on that bastard Kuyt's face, even if you don't – and who knows, maybe he gave Robles a hint or two.

You and I will never know, unless of course the manager tells us, which he has. You think he's lying? That's your choice.

I'll start with your post and leave it on the floor.

I agree with you about Andy Rankin. One of my favourite goalies. As you say he was very acrobatic. Here is a link to the only photo I can find of one of the greatest saves I have ever seen. I was at that game.

Andy Rankin, the Everton goalkeeper, saves from Hunt.

There was a picture of it in the Football Echo that Saturday night from the other side of the goal. I can tell you Roger Hunt really blasted that shot – it was headed for the top right hand corner. How Andy got to it I will never know.

I'm just trying to support the club I love and not resort to slating everything it does, regardless of whether it deserves slating or not. When Martinez does a bad interview I'm among the first to criticise, his positivity drives me nuts at times. This was a good interview, and an encouraging one.

If we want something from this season we have to get behind the team, not look for any reason to criticise it.

Maybe he's a better teacher than player, and could possibly end up as a great coach. I say this because,one thing Howard never comes across as being on a football pitch is calm.

If he's helping Joel conquer his nerves, then that's a good thing. Long may it continue!

Nice to see you around these parts. I couldn't agree more. Maybe I'm getting old but Evertonians singing a song denigrating their own player just seems wrong and makes us look classless.

I too think he has had his day but you play for a side for over 400 games maybe you just deserve a little better. Doesn't appear to be the consensus on here however.

Tim Howard has been a good servant to the club. It's a shame his legacy has been tainted over the last 2 seasons. The big mistake was giving him another long contract.

I'm really made up that Martinez seems to have seen the light and will now give Joel his chance with a proper run in the side until the summer. I hope he impresses and becomes our No 1 goalkeeper next season.

Where's Jim Hardin when you want him?? He's normally the most vocal on here about all goalkeeping matters. I wonder if he's starting to re-evaluate his opinion on Robles and see that he is clearly the better option to Howard now.

Tony (#70), appearances are deceiving. Howard has had to maintain an incredibly calm mind and total focus to function as a professional athlete amidst the tics and twitches, which we can all see (and frequently mistake for nervousness).

This is such an incredibly difficult thing to do that I am only aware of two other athletes who have achieved professional-level performance despite Tourettes – an American baseball player (who at one point had to take three years off to get treatment) and an Aussie gold medal Olympic swimmer.

Moving on, other, less experienced, players have also been over-selected again and again, to our and their detriment, but that too isn't their fault.

To me, there's also evidence that last season and this some senior players have spoken up at Finch Farm in a bid to achieve the wins that regularly elude the Incredible One unless we're playing the worst teams in the Premier League. I believe Buzz and Eto'o were two of them. I also believe Seamus, Bainesy and Rom are in that group.

They themselves have in effect said so to the Press, as has Gazbaz in this last week or so. Only Bainesy has competition for his shirt, and I am in no way critical of Brian Oviedo by the way, but only Bainsey isn't now selected, but that's not his fault.

Watching the match against Bournemouth, I saw Jags and Gazbaz were the only players in the first half even trying to play long forward passes to Rom. For a very long time, albeit on the rare occasions this happens successfully, Rom is transformed into the worst nightmare for any defence in the country.

Two seasons ago, he tore Arsenal a new one from the right wing; on Saturday, he nearly did the same to the Cherries, but for reasons known to one man alone he 's required to regularly play alone, in the centre, with his back to goal surrounded by defenders only too grateful to have him there.... but that's not his fault.

I wonder who's fault it all is?

Bobby, you're making it harder than it really is.

Most had Joel down as a disaster. Right now he's full of confidence, seems to have claimed the starting spot and looks a keeper.

Maybe Martinez actually did the right thing for Joel's development? Waited for him to genuinely assert himself as our keeper. Fans behind him and everything.

Unfortunately Howard will now be remembered for these past two seasons of poor performances but for me the responsibility for this lies with RM and his inane hero-worship, completely out of kilter with Howard's performances on the pitch.

Howard's standards are now MLS – coincidentally the same as RM's.

It's not his body language that I'm basing Howard not being calm on though Mike, it's what he does when he actually has the ball. Normally when the ball is in your keepers hands you can relax, but I'm sure you would have to agree that this is not always the case with Tim.

To be fair Robles, done it in the first half on Saturday, when he's threw the ball out, I think to Barry, just way too quick. Must be what the manager wants, but it's only possible if it's really on.

If I had as much experience as Howard, I would surely know when it's on or not, to throw Or take a quick goal kick. It's a football not a hot potato.

If he comes good, he could save us £10M.

Plus I can name a few Everton greats who have declined in their final seasons and they are not being slagged off to heavens.

Duncan Ferguson faded away with injury.
Tim Cahill just wasn't Premier League class anymore
Graeme Sharp got slower and slower

Sorry, I was out at soccer tournaments and refereeing all weekend. Had to watch the game on replay. I didn't know TW was waiting breathlessly.

As for some of the comments on here about Howard and my response. I have none for the likes of Darren and others that I have not already posted elsewhere. Plus, given the vile nature of the comments about Howard's character etc and whether Robles can learn from him (Why does Robles have a disability?) these are so baseless and crude that what response would be appropriate? I learned long ago that there is a difference between ignorance and stupidity and that you can educate persons with the former but just must ignore those with the latter.

As for the game, Robles did well on the penalty save by guessing correctly. The shot was not unstoppable so he did what he should do. He did get lucky on the rebound. I never fault a keeper on a pk for where the rebound goes off the initial save and am not doing so now.

As for Robles in the game? I still have seen nothing from him that impresses me. He has done nothing wrong against lesser competition and lower Premier League teams. But he has not done this against good Premier League teams this season. If and when he ever gets the chance we will see.

However, when healthy, I fully expect to see Tim Howard back in goal to play behind a much improved defense which has increased its blocks, decreased the shots and crosses allowed, and in general, has done everything that our defense with Deulofeu, Kone, and Stones failed to do.

Dave, I will fully and unequivocally apologize if I've offended you with the "bitter" comment. Although not directly calling you "bitter", it would be rather disingenuous of me to pretend that comment couldn't offend a bit. Any time – any – a person with nearly half a century of support comes on this wonderful website and tells me – a person who's tenure fails miserably in comparison – that I've offended, I will always apologize.

That being said, I will not make any apology for the premise of my post. If individuals are so hellbent on ripping our manager for such innocuous and harmless comments, and comments that can easily be construed as positive and not overtly over the top (which I clearly believe this comment from Roberto was not), then they just have such a severe dislike of our manager it borders on hatred.

I'd equate that, definably, as bitterness that he's still in his post.

Insofar as myself being offended at the "fan for 5 minutes" comment, as I'm sure you're overly concerned about my feelings as well as your own, fret not. I'm not offended in the least. In fact, in my near decade of (long distance) support, I see the proportional ratio of your measure of time in a massively positive light.

If I can make it a mere half an hour by your watch it'll be 60 years of support for Everton Football Club for me!

I rather like your measurement of time Dave. Maybe I'll live to 1000....

Thanks for the apology and I too apologise for the 5 minute remark.XXX