60 Minutes: Tim Howard

[SunDancer]

Anyone catch 60 Minutes tonight, with the segment on US-born Manchester United GK Tim Howard. Pretty interesting story.

[GoldenEagle]

I watched it but I followed his career throughout it. I think he is really good and still young. However, they did not mention that he has fallen out of favor with Man Utd, so for anyway.

[SunDancer]

I watched it but I followed his career throughout it. I think he is really good and still young. However, they did not mention that he has fallen out of favor with Man Utd, so for anyway.

Oh, how did he fall out of favor with the United, and any rumors about where he go?

[Desnudo]

I think it started with that CL loss to Porto last season. Since then he's been second choice and supposedly they're trying to bring in another keeper during the window. No rumors on where he might end up, but it's pretty obvious that Sir Alex doesn't have much confidence in him.

[Eaglesfan27]

I thought the story was very interesting as well.

[Clark]

How about the Iraq segment? That was sad to watch.

[Mr. Wednesday]

Oh, how did he fall out of favor with the United,A combination of poor play on his part and a run of good results by the guy who was previously backing him up. The aforementioned Porto match was the first problem, but he got his job back after that happened. I think the current problem is that he had a run of poor form around the start of this season.

and any rumors about where he go?Last I knew, there wasn't an indication yet of whether SAF has given up on him.

[Desnudo]

A combination of poor play on his part and a run of good results by the guy who was previously backing him up. The aforementioned Porto match was the first problem, but he got his job back after that happened. I think the current problem is that he had a run of poor form around the start of this season.

Last I knew, there wasn't an indication yet of whether SAF has given up on him.

No clear indication, but the signs are obvious. If Howard is still in a Man U uniform next season, I'd be shocked. I think the current problem truly comes down to Euro bias + bad run of form, like you said.

[Mr. Wednesday]

I'm not sure how obvious the signs are, though... Carroll has been on an extended run of good results, notwithstanding his howler against Tottenham. From what I've read (not having watched them) he's a sound goaltender but not as talented a shot-stopper as Howard. What it really comes down to is whether SAF thinks that Howard will come around or not.

[Desnudo]

I'm not sure how obvious the signs are, though... Carroll has been on an extended run of good results, notwithstanding his howler against Tottenham. From what I've read (not having watched them) he's a sound goaltender but not as talented a shot-stopper as Howard. What it really comes down to is whether SAF thinks that Howard will come around or not.

I think if he did, he'd be in there playing and they wouldn't be trying to find a keeper on the transfer market. Tough break for the keeper of the year in the EPL. I think he'd thrive on a less media intensive team. Arsenal perhaps? :)

[zor]

As I had to register a new account to search for something I may as well make a post with it :)

Howard will be at United next season come what may. Both Ricardo and Carroll (the other two first team keepers) are out of contract in the summer, and neither are likely to be with us next term. As for Howard falling out of favour you have to remember he came in and took the starting spot from Carroll when Carroll had seen of Barthez, and not put a foot wrong in the championship run-in of 2003. Carroll should never have been dropped in the first place (hence his refusal to sign a new contract without a significant pay-rise) and once Howard started to make consistent errors his position became untenable.

Ferguson will be looking to buy a new keeper, and Howard will remain the number two. As for his long term prospects there is no reason he can't do what Carroll has done twice and force his way back. If not he'll be stuck in the stiffs until his contract is up.

[condors]

I would have loved to see what Howard would do now with Rio as he didn't have him and Carroll does. In my eyes Howard is the better player. Howard had more to do than Carroll (i am not saying Carroll stinks). Funny thing is Barthez is playing well this year.

Arsenal, Manutd, and Liverpool all could use some solid steady play from their goalkeeper and i think Chelsea have benifitted by not having a goalkeeper cost them points all season.

[MIJB#19]

No clear indication, but the signs are obvious. If Howard is still in a Man U uniform next season, I'd be shocked. I think the current problem truly comes down to Euro bias + bad run of form, like you said.Euro bias? What do you mean with that?

[Katon]

I would have loved to see what Howard would do now with Rio as he didn't have him and Carroll does. In my eyes Howard is the better player. Howard had more to do than Carroll (i am not saying Carroll stinks). Funny thing is Barthez is playing well this year.

Arsenal, Manutd, and Liverpool all could use some solid steady play from their goalkeeper and i think Chelsea have benifitted by not having a goalkeeper cost them points all season.

Well, technically Carroll hasn't cost United any points recently . . . :)

[Chief Rum]

Euro bias? What do you mean with that?

Not something I said myself, but I will give a crack at it.

I think he is saying that it is harder for American players to break into European leagues, because many European managers view players from the U.S.A. as of coming from a lesser football-quality environament.

I actually don't know that these managers necessarily do this, but it wouldn't surprise me. It's my general impression that the average European sport fan has a low opinion of the quality of football in the U.S.

It is this disdain for American-born players by Europeans that he is referring to when he says "Euro-bias".

CR

[Desnudo]

CR summed it up well enough. One additional point is that I think that considering Howard won EPL GK of the year last season he deserved a little more patience than he got. Every keeper goes through rough spells. I won't say it ties directly to overt bias, but I definitely think it is likely a subconscious factor there.

[RPI-Fan]

The point about Rio being out is key... Carroll is doing his job with one of the two or three best defensive lines in the EPL in front of him... Howard made his mistakes with a bottom-half defensive group.

Also, there is definitely a Euro-bias. Another example is Jon Spector. He played half-dozen matches for ManU's first team (after being their best reserve team player last season), and was Man of the Match in his last effort, a Premiership game.

So after this young starlet wins Man of the Match in a huge game, what happens to him? He doesn't get another [real] chance with the first team all year.:rolleyes:

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

How about the Iraq segment? That was sad to watch.
The ending to the Iraq peace was a sad twist. I though he was really a good combat leader. Pretty sad how it happened too (I believe it's the same day they interviewed him ).

[varacel]

The point about Rio being out is key... Carroll is doing his job with one of the two or three best defensive lines in the EPL in front of him... Howard made his mistakes with a bottom-half defensive group.

Also, there is definitely a Euro-bias. Another example is Jon Spector. He played half-dozen matches for ManU's first team (after being their best reserve team player last season), and was Man of the Match in his last effort, a Premiership game.

So after this young starlet wins Man of the Match in a huge game, what happens to him? He doesn't get another [real] chance with the first team all year.:rolleyes:
Sir Alex Ferguson would pick players from any country if he thought they gave United the best chance to win. Howard looked really good at the start of the 2003/4 season, but seemed to lose confidence and a command of his area as the season progressed.

In the little I've seen of Spector, he's looked ok. Will probably have a Premiership career, but not at United or any of the big clubs.

[tanglewood]

Also, there is definitely a Euro-bias. Another example is Jon Spector. He played half-dozen matches for ManU's first team (after being their best reserve team player last season), and was Man of the Match in his last effort, a Premiership game.

So after this young starlet wins Man of the Match in a huge game, what happens to him? He doesn't get another [real] chance with the first team all year.:rolleyes:

Darren Fletcher had to endure about 3 straight years of being excellent in the reserves/loaned out to lower divisions/playing 3 or 4 matches a season and only this year has managed to stake a decent claim for a place in the side. That anyone thinks Spector could just waltz into the first team after one good year in the reserves and a couple of okay performances for the full side is quite suprising to me. That Ferguson (or ANY manager) would deliberately select worse players because of their nationality is ludicrous, considering the kaleidoscope of nationalities that play for the club.

[Chief Rum]

Personally, I don't know that SAF would do that either. That said, I think there are special circumstances here that don't apply to all nationalities.

Howard is an American. When it comes to football, that's the one nationality that could really still have a bias against it.

Everyone knows the United States doesn't hold football in high regard with its own leagues, and that many here think "soccer" is a prissy sport and what have you. Given the general attitude about Americans being arrogant, rich and selfish as well, it wouldn't surprise me if Europeans would give this one particular nationality less shrift than others, given the Europeans are (rightfully) assured of their dominance in the game over the Americans.

I don't think many managers would actively include nationality in their squad decisions, but do I think it's a subconscious factor? Very much so. And in that, I couldn't be certain even SAF would be immune. I could be wrong, but my impression of Europeans' disdain for Americans is that it is very pervasive and present.

The other good point raised is the line Howard was playing behind. Not getting to play behind Rio is a huge difference, although I agree Howard didn't help himself with some soft goals at times. Carroll is also a fine player, and it shouldn't be a negative on the young Howard that he is playing behind Carroll.

But, yes, not having Rio in front of him is huge, IMO.

CR

[condors]

right now if the players come back to qualify for the world cup, i believe Brad Friedal right now is #1 no question, but with Kasey Kellar and Tim Howard not getting regular first team football could Joe Cannon actually get an overdue look to make the team?

[varacel]

Chief, to be fair any sort of 'bias' is probably more towards outfield players then Keepers. Been a lot of good US keepers, Keller and Friedel have both had spells when they have been in the top 2 or 3 keepers in England, and Sylvester Stallone was outstanding in Escape to Victory!, whereas the outfield players who have come over have been solid but not spectacular (John Harkes, Cobi Jones and Brian McBride spring to mind).
I think SAF will have been desperate for Howard to succeed as it would end all the SAF can't replace Schmeichel talk that has gone on the last 5 years. Going back to Carroll makes it look like SAF has failed in his search again and suggests he has lost confidence in Howard which won't be good for his future at the club. When it happens the keeper does not usually last long, like Barthez or Jim Leighton, who had been SAF's keeper through the glory years at Aberdeen and the first 4/5 years at Utd. Ferguson dropped him for the 1991 FA Cup Final Replay after a poor performance in the 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace. Over ten years loyal service, but dont think he played more than a handful of games for Ferguson again.

[Critch]

right now if the players come back to qualify for the world cup, i believe Brad Friedal right now is #1 no question, but with Kasey Kellar and Tim Howard not getting regular first team football could Joe Cannon actually get an overdue look to make the team?

Kasey Keller has signed for Borussia Moenchengladbach, so he should be getting plenty of first team football soon. Plenty of practice too if the M'gladbach games I've seen are any indication, they're pretty porous defensively.

I don't think any kind of anti-American soccer discrimination lost Howard his place. He got his chance and he was pretty terrible at the start of this season, seemed to lose his confidence, so he lost his place. If anything, being American probably helped him. His pedigree wasn't as good as Ricardo at least, but he had the possibility of selling shirts in the US.

Spector also isn't a victim, he was a draft in when injury, olympic football callups and suspension hit the first team. He's too young and inexperienced to rely on when the real first team came back, so he's out on loan to get experience. Since Man Utd have now gone 7 clean sheets in a row with the first team defense and Carroll, it's hard to argue with.

[Chief Rum]

I literally laughed out loud when you mentioned Sly. :D

Maybe the issue is SAF and his lack of desire to commit to one player through good times and bad? He certainly would not be the first team manager/coach in any sport to do that, and from what you're saying it sounds like he has a bit of a history with it.

Of course, one can hardly argue with the results, as he is one of the best managers in the game and has been for some time now.

I really hope someone in the EPL will step up and make a competitive offer to Man Utd for Howard, as I still think he can play ath this level if given more of a chance.

Come to think of it, I am a Boro fan, and we are likely to lose Schwarzer after this season (if not sooner), so I would love to see him in Boro Red at the Riverside.

Of course, that's assuming that Howard's related drop from the U.S. team's #1 spot doesn't deprive him of a work permit (I think that would be stupid, but I could imagine it, unfortunately).

CR

[RPI-Fan]

right now if the players come back to qualify for the world cup, i believe Brad Friedal right now is #1 no question, but with Kasey Kellar and Tim Howard not getting regular first team football could Joe Cannon actually get an overdue look to make the team?

Friedel is probably retired from int'l football. Keller definitely seems to be our #1 at the moment, with Howard the clear choice for back-up. The third keeper slot ever since Japorea '02 has gone to the MLS "form of the day" - two years ago it was Jonny Walker, this season Joe Cannon, and next season it'll probably be something else. Cannon is the typical American keeper we've been churning out for the past dozen years save a couple of superstars - a great shot-stopped who does little else all that well (see: Kevin Hartman, Walker, Jon Busch, Adin Brown, Nick Rimando).

Don't get me wrong, we've produced more than our fair share of great keepers (Meola - highly underrated IMO, Keller, Friedel, and Howard), but the other Americans who have shined in MLS are, IMO, pretty ordinary.

[Sharpieman]

Friedel isn't retired. I remember hearing that he was going to be the #1 keeper for the US team in Germany.

[RPI-Fan]

Friedel isn't retired. I remember hearing that he was going to be the #1 keeper for the US team in Germany.

Where exactly did you hear that? There had been murmors about him retiring from USA, though nothing official ever came out.

And to think that Bruce has decided who will be our Germany '06 keeper is simply ridiculous. At this point, it's looking quite dicey that we'll even make it to Germany.

[Sharpieman]

I highly doubt Friedel will retire if the US gets into Germany. He is the best American keeper, why wouldn't Bruce start him?

[RPI-Fan]

I highly doubt Friedel will retire if the US gets into Germany. He is the best American keeper, why wouldn't Bruce start him?

Because Bruce is Bruce. Why has Frankie Hejduk ever put on a team USA shirt?

And more importantly, it's not fair to Keller/Howard, if they qualify us for Germany, to just throw Brad in there.

[Sharpieman]

not fair to start the best player?

[Chief Rum]

not fair to start the best player?

Not fair to start the player who hasn't been getting the team to that stage.

CR

[RPI-Fan]

not fair to start the best player?

And even if you go by the argument, is it really reasonable to think a casual soccer fan is able to evaluate now (let alone two years from now), who is the best out of three keepers so very close in ability as are Keller, Howard, and Friedel?

[GrantDawg]

And even if you go by the argument, is it really reasonable to think a casual soccer fan is able to evaluate now (let alone two years from now), who is the best out of three keepers so very close in ability as are Keller, Howard, and Friedel?
But Friedel is better in *insert computer game name here*. :D

[condors]

actually Friedal isn't all that in FM2005 although Howard is very good :)

I was actually thinking of the world cup qualifiers, 2 years is a long time, i thought Kellar had earned a shot by his play in qualifing, of course Friedel went on to play as well as any keeper in the last world cup, Adin Brown showed so much when he was younger (was ahead of Howard on the olypic teams) but hasn't managed to stay healthy long enough to warrent a spot but i think he is more than just a shot blocker. Nick Romando is althletic but his lack of size is a real detrement espcially since he will give up a low goal as well (which should not happen for the smaller keeper type), Jon Busch on the other hand is a guy i would like to see get a look he has been solid the last 2 years kinda came out of nowhere though. Kevin Hartman is too streaky for my liking i have seen him have bad games too often.

I was just wondering what other people would do if i was Bruce I would probally go Friedel, Kellar, Howard with Cannon in the training camp in case of injury.

[RPI-Fan]

I was just wondering what other people would do if i was Bruce I would probally go Friedel, Kellar, Howard with Cannon in the training camp in case of injury.

Exactly, the big three, with a training-squad MLS guy in there.

Thing is, it probably won't be Cannon - it'll be Busch, or Rimando, or Hartman, or whoever, who has a great MLS season.

Cannon hasn't shown anything more than the above guys have in other years.

[Mac Howard]

The "Euro bias" thing is nonsense. Players in Europe these days come from all over the world. If they're good enough then they'll get playing time. What's more they're a hell of a lot cheaper than European players of similar skills. The situation has reached a point where the FA want to see limitations on "foreign" imports to safeguard the development of young British players. Fans may have a thing against US soccer but managers have far too much pressure to succeed to worry about a player's nationality.

I suspect that Ferguson has decided that Howard just isn't good enough at the present. He doesn't just see Tim in matches but will see him daily in training and will have a far better idea of where he's at than you or I. Whether he stays at Utd will depend on whether Alex believes he can improve to become the 'keeper he wants. Like all other clubs with Champions League ambitions he doesn't just want a good 'keeper he wants an exceptional one and neither Carroll or Howard are anywhere near that at present.

Spector looked very promising at the beginning of the season and I think has a big future at Utd. But he's young and doesn't need the pressure that first team football for Utd will bring as he develops. You can bring a youngster on too quickly and destroy his development. He's now being loaned out where he'll get the playing time without the pressure (that inflicted so much pain on Howard?). If he continues his development then he'll move into the first team squad soon enough (he was also in the team that couldn't beat Exeter :rolleyes: )

Add to that that Heinze has been the success of the season so far and Alex just doesn't need a fullback at present.

[Mr. Wednesday]

I've always liked Keller better than Friedel. In fact, I think Friedel's performance in the World Cup was overrated.

Also, there have been a lot of rumors that the two don't like each other. Maybe it's just natural competitiveness between two guys who are used to being the man, maybe there's something more and they can't coexist.

[Desnudo]

It all may be a moot point unless the federation gets its act together and solves the labor dispute.

[MIJB#19]

Wow, lot's of reply on the "Euro bias" question.

Let me state what my take on it is. I want to start by saying that I don't believe in European sentiments. I just think that people all over the world have a copy-cat attitude. Let's give the few examples:

1. Back in the late 1980's, the Dutch national team was arguably the best in the world. The Italian team Milan AC acquired the three best guys and within a few years, a lot of Italian teams followed by signing their own Dutch players. This is a class example of how the soccer world works concidering nationalities. More examples?

2. Nigeria qualified for WC 1994 and had a few stars playing in Europe. Eyes opened and in the late 90's every well respecting team tried to get a Nigerian player as a diamond in the rough.

3. The Dutch club SC Heerenveen saw two Danish players work out well in the late 90's and since then have scout a lot in the Scandinavian countries and saw more and more guys work out. Today, they have about 10 guys from Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland on team.

4. Dutch club PSV had success getting Romario in the early 1990's. A second project named Ronaldo worked out too and they have been suckers for getting the new diamond in the rough from Brazil. About 5 guys failed, but yet they keep trying.

5. (Going on thin ice here, I'm not an NHL expert, but in the NHL, foreign players from Europe haven't always been the norm, have they? Over the past 10 years, it's been accustomed to any NHL team to have a Russian, a Czech and a Swede on team. Guys like Jagr and Hasek have really made the scouting for Czechs something normal.


In WC 2002 the United States surprized the world, but sadly the transfer market plumetted at the same time. The problem to get Americans was also there with needing to negotiate with the league rather than a team and having little known accomplishments by Americans. (Really, name them?)

Kasey Keller made a statement and after that, Tim Howard was basically the big "if he works out, we'll all get an American guy". Landon Donovan will return to Germany (or did he do already?), DaMarcus Beasley has worked out with PSV in his first 5 monthst (good advertising with PSV in the Last16 for the Champions' League, but sadly Ajax' John O'Brien has been injured for most of the past 20 months.)

We're only 2 1/2 years away from WC2002, the top 50 clubs in Europe follow Freddy Adu. If Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley work out, while Tim Howard regains his job (either at ManU or with a second tier European top team) and John O'Brien gets back into the Ajax lineup and they have European success, I have no doubt that in a year or 5 to 10, teams will try to get Americans. And really, a couple of Dutch teams already have American youngesters hanging around, for example Charles Kazlauskas is coming up at Dutch team NEC and might start in the second half of the 2004/2005 season.

Last but not least, Howard is a goalkeeper. It's a you start or don't start job, you can't escape from defense to midfield, from center to right wing or get some playing time as substitue. And the past 5 years top teams have gotten accustomed to dumping the keeper much easier than soccer teams did in the previous 100 years. Really, the cycle of keepers is a new trend and Howard is one of about 25 "big name" casualties all around the top European teams/leagues. In fact, I think of the top 25 countries in the world, either the first, second or third best goalkeeper has been having playing time issues. Just an example, at some point this season, the top 5 keepers of the Netherlands were all backups with their teams...

[MIJB#19]

Addition to my previous post, Dutch teams have been testing Americans a lot lately and the latest football news is that two MetroStars guys (Jeff Parke and Michael Bradley) are on a trial with above mentioned SC Heerenveen.

Dutch top team Feyenoord has been scouting the MLS for a couple of years now. The made a mistake with not getting Tim Howard. Recently, they had a trial of MLS Rookie Of The Year Clint Dempsey and recently Corey Gibbs tried out with them.

Edit: I also realized that German teams already have an eye open for American players. The English (long live generalizations!) are simply more conservative(?) and rather wait and see players succeed elsewhere.

FWIW, My source is www . vi . nl

[moriarty]

Donovan is now w/ Leverkuesen (sp?) in Germany. I believe he's eligible for the European competition if he gets selected, which means that both him and Beasely will be in the champions league final 16.

I think Donovan will do well assuming he doesn't get home sick again. Beasley has done better already than I thought he would.

Tim Howard not starting has nothing to do with any bias IMO. He looked great early, then seemed to lose his confidence and made some really bad decisions in the last 2-3 matches I saw him start prior to getting replaced. No doubt the physical skills are there, but I think he needs to play somewhere. If there were a bias, he never would have had the opportunity to start for Man U in the first place.

The US has some good athletes and will continue to make inroads in the major European leagues. They lack a lot of technical skills but I think Beasley and the likes are gathering attention. Alot more Americans are getting invited to special training sesssions with the European squads (ala Eddie Johnson) which I think will work well to improve their skills and serve as showcases for the bigger clubs.

[MrBug708]

I've always liked Keller better than Friedel. In fact, I think Friedel's performance in the World Cup was overrated.

Any overratedness would come from the fact that he stopped 2 PK's in one tournament and the US's good run.

I think Hartmen might make it as the training guy simply based on the fact that Steve Sampson will be the Galaxy's coach and he's all defense, no offense, so unless we are playing Iran in the MLS, the shots on goal should be far and few.

[RPI-Fan]

Addition to my previous post, Dutch teams have been testing Americans a lot lately and the latest football news is that two MetroStars guys (Jeff Parke and Michael Bradley) are on a trial with above mentioned SC Heerenveen.

Dutch top team Feyenoord has been scouting the MLS for a couple of years now. The made a mistake with not getting Tim Howard. Recently, they had a trial of MLS Rookie Of The Year Clint Dempsey and recently Corey Gibbs tried out with them.

Edit: I also realized that German teams already have an eye open for American players. The English (long live generalizations!) are simply more conservative(?) and rather wait and see players succeed elsewhere.

FWIW, My source is www . vi . nl

FWIW, Gibbs has been called (paraphrasing here) "potentially the best ever American defender" by The Bruce, and Dempsey was simply spectacular in MLS last season, and looked solid in his one international appearance (against Jamaica). Gibbs is much more likely to transfer than Dempsey, given his experience, but both definitely have the potential to be stars in Europe.

[MIJB#19]

FWIW, Gibbs has been called (paraphrasing here) "potentially the best ever American defender" by The Bruce, and Dempsey was simply spectacular in MLS last season, and looked solid in his one international appearance (against Jamaica). Gibbs is much more likely to transfer than Dempsey, given his experience, but both definitely have the potential to be stars in Europe.Today, in the Rotterdam local newspaper I read rumors that Feyenoord (from Rotterdam) is going to offer Gibbs a contract. They've got serious defensive struggles and apparently Ruud Gullit (Feyenoord coach) is thinking Feyenoord is like Chelsea and they've acquired more than 5 new players in the winter break already.

By the way, if that happens, the top 3 Dutch teams all have a guy from the USA on their team. If that doesn't show how confident "Europeans" are in the MLS players, than nothing can. (FWIW, the Dutch three teams have become some sort of developmental stops for good players on their way to the top leagues in England, Spain and Italy.)

[Mr. Wednesday]

Gibbs is much more likely to transfer than Dempsey,Especially considering that Feyenoord has already decided that Dempsey would be too expensive for how they would use him and declined to make an offer...

[condors]

i am not convinced about Dempsey, he plays like a veteran and works hard but he is not that big a kid nor does he run like beasley, donovan. I think he may be a servicable player for a semi big european team but i don't think he can have the impact of some of the other players.

BTW any see Clint Mathis he scored 4 goals in his first 7 games coach get fired and he is taken out of the first team comes on as a sub several weeks later scores a goal and procedes to scream at his new coach and points to his wrist clearly screaming its about fing time wonder why he is back in the MLS again :p

[RPI-Fan]

i am not convinced about Dempsey, he plays like a veteran and works hard but he is not that big a kid nor does he run like beasley, donovan. I think he may be a servicable player for a semi big european team but i don't think he can have the impact of some of the other players.

I couldn't agree more. I think he's pretty much peaked, as he already seems to see the game very well - someone like Gibbs has enormous physical talents and skills, but hasn't yet matured very much.

BTW any see Clint Mathis he scored 4 goals in his first 7 games coach get fired and he is taken out of the first team comes on as a sub several weeks later scores a goal and procedes to scream at his new coach and points to his wrist clearly screaming its about fing time wonder why he is back in the MLS again :p

Don't forget the crotch-chop.:)

[MIJB#19]

That Gibbs guy is threatening my long time fantasy football defender from Feyenoord for playing time, so please make up your minds whether Gibbs is a good defender, or not.
Does it help if I tell you he has to be able to communicate in Dutch with a Hungarian goalkeeper, a yesterday signed Swedish right back, a Tunesian right defender, and a Chilian(sp?) defensive midfielder?

[Desnudo]

That Gibbs guy is threatening my long time fantasy football defender from Feyenoord for playing time, so please make up your minds whether Gibbs is a good defender, or not.
Does it help if I tell you he has to be able to communicate in Dutch with a Hungarian goalkeeper, a yesterday signed Swedish right back, a Tunesian right defender, and a Chilian(sp?) defensive midfielder?

Glenn Loovens?

[Klinglerware]

That Gibbs guy is threatening my long time fantasy football defender from Feyenoord for playing time, so please make up your minds whether Gibbs is a good defender, or not.
Does it help if I tell you he has to be able to communicate in Dutch with a Hungarian goalkeeper, a yesterday signed Swedish right back, a Tunesian right defender, and a Chilian(sp?) defensive midfielder?

He went to Brown, he should be okay. :)

[Tekneek]

I think even a reasonable person would say that Howard was dodgy yesterday in that match against Exeter. He didn't play himself back into favor with some of the gaffes he made.

[condors]

yes Tim Howard didn't look great(although it was a nice save on Taylor) but he did have a clean sheet, which is the same thing being said about Carroll.

[MIJB#19]

Glenn Loovens?Good heavens, no. I had Patrick Paauwe on my team, as I did in 2003/2004. But just to be safe, I kicked him from my team after 1 1/2 years of loyal duty. Paauwe is said to be done all of a sudden. Crazy trainers with their desire to replace 5 players every 5 games...

Loovens has been in and out of the first team for the past 3 or 4 years and I estimte his total appearances on about 1/3rd of all games, with about half being as a substitute player.

[MIJB#19]

And it's official, Cory Gibbs will make his first appearance for Feyenoord on Sunday, barring injury.

[Klinglerware]

And it's official, Cory Gibbs will make his first appearance for Feyenoord on Sunday, barring injury.

Is he on loan or this a permanent move for Gibbs? How big would this be for Gibbs' development?

[RPI-Fan]

Is he on loan or this a permanent move for Gibbs? How big would this be for Gibbs' development?

Permanent move ($1mil), and if he plays regularly, potentially gigantic for his development.

[Desnudo]

Too bad he's already 25.

[RPI-Fan]

I highly doubt Friedel will retire if the US gets into Germany. He is the best American keeper, why wouldn't Bruce start him?

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=footballNews&storyID=URI:urn:newsml:reuters.com:20050207:MTFH31056_2005-02-07_18-51-31_L0797293:1

Guess someone has some crow to eat...

~kns