Everton FC: Tim Howard to Remain a Toffee Until 2016

The American shot-stopper Tim Howard has agreed to a new deal that will keep him at Goodison Park until 2016.

He said the deal was a "no brainer" to commit his future to Everton, and he confessed his love for the Merseyside based club.

The USA international, who turned 33 the other day, will complete 10 years at Everton if he fulfils his new contract.

Howard joined Everton from Premier League champions Manchester United back in 2006 after an initial period on loan from the club.

He has never looked back on his decision to quit United to seek a regular first team spot as he has gone from strength to strength at the Everton number one.

The goalkeeper, who has already registered a Premier League goal which is an unusual occurrence, has also passed Neville Southall’s premier league appearance record for Everton this season.

Howard had this to say about his delight at signing a new deal:

I couldn't be happier. I've had a smile on my face ever since we finalised the deal. When you have a really good relationship in life and both sides are eager to continue and keep that going, it's a no-brainer...This hasn't been a knockdown, drawn-out type of negotiation with meetings or anything like that...They were very happy to keep me here and I was very, very happy to stay...It's a place that is home for me.

I am sure we will see Tim Howard display his great consistency throughout the rest of his Everton career. He is a truly great player to have between the sticks, and now he will defend Everton's sticks for many more years to come.