Western Counties Soccer

Tim Howard, 37, former Everton first choice goal keeper is set to leave the club after a long spell with The Toffees.

The talented goal keeper says he is excited at returning home after 13 years in England. The goal stopper agreed to a deal with MLS team, the Colorado Rapids.

Howards spent a complete decade at Everton, helping the team achieve success but has dropped down in the pecking order at the club. He lost the first team choice position to Joel Robles in recent weeks before agreeing to a three-and a-half-year deal at the MLS.

Joel Robles was favored due to his recent decent performance for The Blues. The 25 year old goal keeper joined Everton in 2013 but practically had no game under his belt as Howard was in great shape. However, in the 2014/2015 season, Tim Howard was injured at some point and Joel stepped him. This season, he has been given the opportunity to stay at the post ahead of Tim Howard who seems to be struggling with top flight fitness.

Robles told ECHO: “Of course, I am very happy to be playing because I waited for my moment but I am happy to be able to help the team. The goal keeping position is very difficult in a team because there is only one so you need to keep working and keep your passion.”
Howard claims he has no bad blood with the team and would remain an “Evertonian” for life. He said: “I've had a fantastic career in England and in particular at Everton, but as football clubs move forward and players have careers to think about you always have to make decisions. This one crept up on me. I had two more years at Everton which I planned on seeing out, but when I spoke to my family, Roberto Martinez and the chairman I thought the decision and the timing. Just seemed to be the right move.”

The goal keeper who remains the top choice for The Yanks says he’s excited to move back. Howard told reporters: "The Rapids are trying to build something special - they've won an MLS Cup, know what it is to be a winner and they're trying to get back to those heights. The plan they've put in place excited me - it's a project and something I'm looking forward to. This isn't a quick thing – it’s three-and-a-half years and I'm looking forward to being part of this club."