Dec 192014
 

Tim Howard has urged Everton fans to think twice before booing the team’s passing style and insisted: “We need to stick together.”

The Toffees goalkeeper said he was dismayed when skipper Phil Jagielka was jeered for passing back to him towards the end of their 3-1 win over QPR on Monday.

And ahead of today’s clash at Southampton, the shot-stopper reiterated the importance of unity between fans and players, regardless of the frustrations which can mount during some games.

“I think it’s rubbish,” he said.

““I think we all have an obligation to pull in the right direction; players and fans alike.

“I think at the end of the 90 minutes we can all scream and shout; pat eachother on the back or kick eachother all we want.

“But through the course of the 90 minutes we need to stick together and that’s always been the case.

“We go out there with every intent to play the manager’s style and win games and when you’re doing that it’s not right to be booed.”

Tim Howard was dismayed when skipper Phil Jagielka was jeered

Howard said he is concerned that incidents such as the booing on Monday could have an effect on the younger members the Everton dressing room.

But his is satisfied that Roberto Martinez’s strength of leadership and belief in possession football will ensure that overall the players stick to the script.

He added: “The manager has been brilliant. He doesn’t bat an eye at that sort of stuff and encourages us to play without shackles, to be free.

“In order to play in his system you have to be able to shake off bad moments because football is about turnover and transition.

“He always preaches that and tells us to keep going.”

In terms of his own form so far this term – and the team’s – the USA international is positive things are improving, but he will not make a judgement until May.

“I never assess my form in season,” he said. “It’s impossible.

“Every year at the end of the campaign I look at stats and where we finished and I try to do better.

“We’re a powerful team and we pass the ball well. It’s looking up for us and yes we’ve had a sluggish start, but if you look around a lot of teams have had a sluggish start.

“In October Chelsea has won the league.

“Nobody else was close and now things are starting to even themselves out.

“We’ll get there.”


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