According to espnfc.com, Everton manager Roberto Martinez announced that Joel Robles would become Everton's starting goalkeeper effective immediately.
END OF AN ERA FOR TIM HOWARD
For Everton's former starting goalkeeper Tim Howard, this announcement is not an exciting one. As he continues to age and decline in performance and in physical nature, Howard could very well see his career at Everton come to a close. Howard has been anything but stellar in recent memory between the sticks for Everton.
According to FoxSports.com, last season saw the American international play in 32 league games, allow 44 goals and keep just seven clean sheets. Howard allowed 1.375 goals per game.
This season, Howard has had numerous shaky performances and let in far too many goals.
According to FoxSports.com, in just 23 appearances this season, Howard has already conceded 34 goals and kept six clean sheets. This record has increased Howard's goals allowed per game to 1.478.
This could be partly due to the fact that Howard is being forced into more saves this season, as he has already saved more shots this season in less games. However, Howard' s performances have said otherwise, as previously stated, he has looked unconvincing in numerous games.
The age and injuries do not help his case. Howard, 36, will be turning 37 in March and he has battled a knee injury as of late that has kept him out of action. Overall, Howard has been too inconsistent to convince Martinez and he is well past his prime.
THE RISE OF JOEL ROBLES
The most recent knee injury Howard suffered saw the American miss action and give Robles the chance he was waiting for at Everton.
Robles got his chance against Newcastle United in early February when Howard was sidelined by that knee injury and impressed, keeping a clean sheet. He then followed that performance with another clean sheet against Stoke City.
So far this season, Robles has appeared in three league games and kept two clean sheets and has also started in both FA Cup games and kept clean sheets in both of those matches.
Robles, 25, has much more time on his hands to improve as a keeper, and also provides Martinez with a solid option going forward. This is opposed to letting an aging Howard continue to take appearances away from a keeper who will more than likely be the keeper of the future.
In his press conference that was reported by espnfc.com, Martinez said the defensive unit with Robles has been solid and he plans to go with cohesion and consistency.
"That's when you are in a strong position, when you've got football making the decisions. It's important that you give continuity and at the moment, Joel is doing really well."
WHAT NOW FOR TIM HOWARD?
According to espnfc.com, Howard has been heavily linked to a move to Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids this summer.
Despite having two years remaining on his contract, Howard has expressed mutual interest in the MLS side. Espnfc.com have said that Howard would earn $2-3 million and would become the highest paid goalkeeper in the league.
The move could be ideal for Howard, a chance to move back to the United States and more than likely obtain a starting spot with great pay. However, for now, Howard will have to fight for his starting spot back for the Toffees.