Howard to start for Everton in last two home games

Manager Roberto Martinez hasn't made too many popular Everton squad selection decisions lately. However, the choice to start goalie Tim Howard in the last two home games, against Bournemouth today and Norwich on the last day of the season will be received warmly by the fans.

Tim Howard will be leaving the club at the end of the season after 10 years with the Toffees, and this will give him a chance to say a proper goodbye after being unceremoniously yanked from the starting XI earlier this year.

From the Everton site -

The 37-year-old USA international goalkeeper has made 412 appearances to date for the Blues, keeping 132 clean sheets - a figure only bettered in the Club's history by legendary custodians Neville Southall and Gordon West. He even registered on the scoresheet with a memorable goal from inside his own penalty area against Bolton Wanderers in January 2012.

In today's matchday programme, there is a note from Martinez too, acknowledging the veteran -

"In our last two home games of the season we will be able to honour and acknowledge the outstanding contribution and unforgettable role that Tim Howard has made to our football club in the last 10 seasons.

"Tim will be joining Colorado Rapids at the end of the season but his legacy will live on for many years in the work that he's done not just on the pitch but in helping young players to understand just what it means and what it takes to be an Everton player. We wish him well and he'll be a true blue ambassador wherever he is."

We wish Howard well on his footballing journey, and thank him for the ten years he spent at Goodison Park.