'Why Would I Not Sign?'

Friday 5th June 2009 11:35 by Adam Clark

Tim Howard wants to spend his "best years" at Goodison Park.

Tim Howard has declared he wants to spend his "best years" with Everton after agreeing a new five-year contract.

The American has established himself as one of the Premier League's leading goalkeepers since joining from Manchester United - originally on loan - in the summer of 2006.

This season Howard broke a Neville Southall Club record for the number of Premier League clean sheets kept in one campaign.

He also became the first Blues keeper in history to concede less than 100 goals in his first 100 games.

But despite his successes, 30-year-old Howard believes fans are yet to see the best of him.

"I'm excited," said Howard on putting pen to paper. "It comes at a really good time. I guess any new deal is a good thing but to be able to seal it now and go home for the summer is good. It's good to put it to bed.

"But it was relatively easy. The Club wanted me here, I wanted to be here and we kept it quiet so it worked out really well.

"I feel this is some of the best football I've ever played but, from what history tells me, goalkeepers normally come into their prime about this time. If I can have my best years here at Everton I think everyone will be excited and I know I'd be over the moon.

Howard revealed he had no doubts about committing his future to the Club, insisting he has found his home at Goodison Park.

"It would be great place for me to have my peak time," he continued. "It's a place I've said all along where I enjoy coming to work every day.

"I enjoy the atmosphere at Goodison, the fans are fantastic, the manager and his staff have been great with me and I love my team-mates. All that being said, why would I not want to be here?"

See our exclusive Tim Howard contract interview on evertonTV now.

Cathy CondronSorry Steven Clewlow but Tim maybe great but he's not near the standard of Neville Southall....just yet! You are obvioulsy a young man who didnt see the Big Nev in his day! Brilliant goal-keeper with amazing agility! I'd have Big Nev in anyday training Big Tim to achieve the high standard he set! When Tim has won as many trophy's as Big Nev did i will agree with you whole heartedly and i really look forward to that!! Come on Big Tim - go USA!

Friday 5th June 16:09 Report Comment

Cathy CondronTims got the Bug! The Everton Bug! He has well and truly been bitten! He appreciates what it is to be an Everton player and its great to see these players committing their future, more or less to the Blues! I just hope news of other clubs coming in for Arteta and Lescott will fade away! The "extrememly solid" foundation is set at this club and we cant let anyone walk away no matter what price! FA Cup Final this year Europe Final next. Everton should just send out the word that none of our "Top Players" are for sale at any price. Keep this team together and build dont disband! C O U B for 2009/10 Season.

Friday 5th June 16:06 Report Comment

kyle meredithThis Is Great News !! Tim Is Definatly Up There With The Best Keepers In The Prem. He has Performed Spectacularly Since He Joined Us And Its A Relief To Know That Weve Secured His Services. And He Doesnt Want To Be Here For The Money. Hes Here Because Everton Has Done To Him What Its Done To All The Players To Have Played For Us, Everton Has Touched Him And Made Him Feel At Home As To Have The Fans. Glad To Have You With Us Tim. COYB

Friday 5th June 12:31 Report Comment