TIM HOWARD
EVERTON

In search of fulltime first team football, American Tim Howard moved to Everton on loan during the summer of 2006 and impressed immediately, securing a permanent move in February of 2007.

Tim Howard had a whirlwind of a first season with Manchester United. After an impressive start with some startling saves he suffered a dip in form only to recover and be named the Premiereship's Goal Keeper of the Year for 2004.

Tim Howard came to Manchester United from MLS' Metrostars after some spectacular seasons in the US.

After backing up Tony Meola and Mike Amman, Tim Howard was finally handed the starting job between the posts at Giants Stadium. He did not disappoint, grabbing GK of the Year Honors in 2001.

Born with Tourette's Syndrome, the same neurological disease that afflicted Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Tim did not allow that stop him from becoming a two-sport All-Star in HS. His other sport was basketball and he played against Duke All-American Jason Williams.

After HS he immediately turned pro, playing in the USISL before signing with MLS as part of the Project 40 program and being allocated to his hometown Metros.

2001 was a break out year for Tim. He started being recognized for the stunning acrobatic saves he was making, including a save on Colorado's Paul Bravo that won him Save of the Year honors and really announed his arrival when he stoned Luis Hernandez on a penalty during the MLS All-Star game.

After earning caps with the US National Team, Manchester United splashed out $3 Million to sign him and he immediately impressed his new employers with some spectacular play during the Champions World Series in the US in mid 2003. He became United's starter and after saving penalties in the Supporter's Shield game, didn't look back until he fatigured in March.

Still he came back strong, became the first American to win the FA Cup. However after some high profile blunders the following season he found himself watching more matches from the bench.

After getting virtually no time behing new signing Edwin Van de Saar, Howard sought a loan move to get consistent playing time. Everton offered him a spot and now Tim has shown his worth.

PHOTOS

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Tim flies through the air after a free kick (AP)

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