Everton

Roberto Martinez: Tim Howard "has many years ahead"

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter
Published: 21 September 2015 3:59 PM

Everton manager Roberto Martinez insists that Tim Howard still has "a long way to go" in his career, despite recent claims that he plans to retire in three years' time.

Roberto Martinez has reiterated that he expects Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard to continue playing for 'many more years'.

The USA international has previously revealed that he intends to retire from the sport once his current deal at Goodison Park expires in 2018.

However, having earned a place in Everton history on the weekend by recording his 112th Premier League clean sheet - putting him joint-third behind Gordon West and Neville Southall - Martinez insists that Howard still has plenty to offer.

"I don't think we should forget that 112 clean sheets is an incredible return for any individual, when you are in that lonely position as a goalkeeper," he is quoted as saying by ESPN.

"At our football club, we have blessed with incredible goalkeepers throughout our history. It's a special landmark, but we know that Tim has a long way to go in his career.

"He has many years ahead. It's an exciting figure to keep adding to, and it's exciting to see Tim continuing to perform in the way that he has. He's clearly enjoying his football and we want that to continue."

Howard joined the Merseyside outfit from Manchester United in 2007, where he has since gone on to make more than 300 appearances.