Seasons » 2015-16 » Everton News
Howard: I couldn't pass up Rapids opportunity
23 Comments 
The 36-year-old announced last week that he will be joining the MLS soccer side in July, two years before his contract with Everton expires, confirming speculation that started towards the end of the January transfer window that he could return to the United States.
Howard, who first joined the Toffees on loan 10 years ago, has made over 350 Premier League appearances for Everton but recently lost his first-choice berth at Goodison due to faltering form amid the team's defensive struggles, particularly at home.
After three years as his understudy, Joel Robles has assumed the mantle of regular starter in the team and that has provided Howard with the chance to revive his career with a fresh start and a new project in Colorado.
"It gives me an opportunity to be in the shop window before the next World Cup," Howard said. "And the excitement about being in Colorado and building something…people don't care to hear that but that's the most important thing for me.
"I had two years left at the club I love and I planned on playing them out until this opportunity came up. It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up."
The move to the Rapids also allows him to be closer to the eyes of USMNT manager Jurgen Klinsmann as he plans for the World Cup in Russia in tow years' time.
Howard's decision to take a year's sabbatical from international football after the last World Cup in Brazil has meant he has had to share the first-team jersey with Aston Villa's Brad Guzan since last autumn as Klinsmann assesses which is his most reliable stopper.
"We have the highest respect for Tim and Brad," Klinsmann said recently. "Having a player like Tim back in our group is huge because of his experience. Is it more ideal if he (were starting for Everton)? Absolutely. …
"He's played I don't know how many hundred games in the Premier League. He knows how to deal with (inactivity). He is calm. He is a top professional."
Quotes sourced from Sky Sports
Reader Comments (23)
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2 Posted 24/03/2016 at 18:21:00
But then, he never was able to be completely honest with himself. When he was making mistakes in the past year or two, he refused to admit he was ever at fault.
3 Posted 24/03/2016 at 18:46:25
4 Posted 24/03/2016 at 19:11:00
It happened with Kevin Campbell and Big Dunc to an extent, players that were once thought of highly now made the butt of jokes and scapegoats.
5 Posted 24/03/2016 at 19:14:49
I prefer to think of Howard in his prime, rather than his recent performances.
But then he was not used to playing with a crap defence, was he?
6 Posted 24/03/2016 at 19:53:50
7 Posted 24/03/2016 at 20:28:37
8 Posted 24/03/2016 at 20:28:48
Good riddance.
9 Posted 24/03/2016 at 20:30:40
Just you wait – he'll probably be first choice for the final, if we make it!!
10 Posted 24/03/2016 at 20:37:36
11 Posted 24/03/2016 at 20:45:36
Jon Cox, well said. Where shall we send the blert's taxi to?
12 Posted 24/03/2016 at 20:46:25
This sentimental streak which pervades the club at every level undermines our seriousness of ever seeing the club properly compete with our rivals in the Premier League and it's something we need to rid ourselves of and quickly.
Fair enough if Everton were on the way to the title and had it wrapped up prior to the last couple of games of the season, it might be acceptable, but when we are supposedly battling for every league point available in order to earn more merit money, I can't see any good reason for Tim being given an outing. Although if something happens to Robles and we make the Final, Tim will have my full support at Wembley.
13 Posted 24/03/2016 at 20:49:14
14 Posted 24/03/2016 at 21:18:45
If the biggest outlay this summer is on a keeper, it wouldn't be too bad a thing. So long as it isn't from the current man in charge.
15 Posted 24/03/2016 at 22:57:49
Spill the beans on the manager and win some fans back. It's his fault you're leaving under a cloud.
Oh and tell us about our new £13.5 million striker. Strange times to be a Blue, eh.
16 Posted 24/03/2016 at 23:13:33
Anfield
17 Posted 25/03/2016 at 00:18:48
If I were a footballer I would not dare hang around here for more than a few years. The fans here turn ugly fast and hard, regardless of service or circumstances.
All I can say to Howard is good luck in the future. He's leaving. No need to say more...for me.
18 Posted 25/03/2016 at 01:06:16
I wonder why....
19 Posted 25/03/2016 at 14:51:47
20 Posted 25/03/2016 at 15:54:56
He leaves with respect and thanks.
21 Posted 25/03/2016 at 21:27:01
22 Posted 25/03/2016 at 21:57:10
Pity we aren't and can't.
23 Posted 26/03/2016 at 09:34:13
I was never his biggest fan but have to acknowledge his service to the club and the role that he has undoubtedly played in building the brand throughout the States.
I don't really know why but I have never felt the connection with him that I have with other long servers to our great club. I have more great memories and affection for Nigel Martyn, who was with us for only 3 years, than I do for Tim.
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1 Posted 24/03/2016 at 18:17:58
Wish you all the best of luck in the world mate. Oh,
Just before you go, Tim, could you do us all a really big favour, thanks mate?
Yeah, could you please take that fuckin' dickhead Blert of a manager with you?
Again, thanks awfully,
Bye.