Joel Robles

[RFUS]

The defence works with Robles in goal. It doesn't work with Howard in goal. Simple as that.

I think Howard doesn't really suit Martinez's system. You need a more modern, sweeping keeper who's off his line quickly and able to start attacks. Joel does just that.

Howard was a good keeper under Moyes, and Martinez's first season (with Moyes' defence), but age and circumstance have caught up to him and the sheer arrogance from both Howard and Martinez (insulting the fanbase's intelligence with crap reasons for keeping him in and Joel out) has created a horrible atmosphere in which he will never be able to succeed again.

Joel hasn't been hugely tested of late but it's telling that Howard was barely tested this season either (I remember that stat where when defending 1 goal leads, we'd faced 12 shots on target, and Howard had let in every one!). Teams that dominate the ball need an alert keeper when they do have to face shots on target. Howard is not that in the slightest, whereas Joel yesterday was springing off his line and claiming anything that went near him. It's easy to forget moments like that as the danger is diffused so quickly, but it's the kind of thing that Howard doesn't do that leads to pressure and panic.

Basically, we need to give Joel a long run in the team. He has all the assets, we just need to see him under a bit more pressure in games where we dominate and games where we're battered; games where he's a passenger and games where's he's the busiest man on the pitch. Then we can see if he's #1 material. But we've seen enough of Howard to know that his time is up, I think.

 

[TrixyStevens]

He's a presence and that's something we've lacked in goal for a very long time.

 

[Jeff Jones]

I don't like people calling Tim Howard a clown. Criticise his goalkeeping, by all means, but leave out the personal insults.

 

[Jimmy Grimble]

We should break the bank for Forster in the summer.

Robles is doing well when compared to the hapless starfish, but he's not top draw.

Too early to say whether Robles is top draw. I'd have said that de Gea was pooh in his first season. All I can say about Robles is that he is showing great promise. I've seen enough of Forster to know he's class, but Southampton aren't stupid. They would fleece us.

 

[sageyefc]

We should break the bank for Forster in the summer.

Robles is doing well when compared to the hapless starfish, but he's not top draw.

And why would they sell Forster to us

 

[Foot Long Hot Dog]

And why would they sell Forster to us

Same reason as they sold Clyne, Lallana, Lambert and Lovren to the RS - cash.

 

[sageyefc]

Same reason as they sold Clyne, Lallana, Lambert and Lovren to the RS - cash.

Have we got 25+ mil to blow on a keeper though, an would Forster see u as that much of a leap to try and force a move

 

[Caolam]

We need to see if Joel is good enough to play premiership football. I don't think any of us know for sure, we won't know until we give him a chance and see him tested. He hasn't done anything to suggest he isn't capable of playing. I don't believe we have any choice now anyway, he is in for the rest of the season. We'll have time to evaluate his position in the summer.

 

[Foot Long Hot Dog]

Have we got 25+ mil to blow on a keeper though, an would Forster see u as that much of a leap to try and force a move

He'll be down to 2 years left on his contract come the summer, so they'll need to get him tied down to a new deal or consider cashing in while his stock is at its highest.

Not sure he'd be that much though....

We could use some of the Stones money btw

 

[sageyefc]

He'll be down to 2 years left on his contract come the summer, so they'll need to get him tied down to a new deal or consider cashing in while his stock is at its highest.

Not sure he'd be that much though....

We could use some of the Stones money btw

Cost them 10 million and with another new tv deal kickibg in and him establishing himself as one of the prems best think we'll stand next to no chance, same with the butland shouts.

Joel will prove himself though so no need

 

[MartSlinger]

He'll be down to 2 years left on his contract come the summer, so they'll need to get him tied down to a new deal or consider cashing in while his stock is at its highest.

Not sure he'd be that much though....

We could use some of the Stones money btw

Much rather see how Joel turns out (If he gets a run)

If he does get the run he deserves i can see the lad saving us a fair chunk of money.

 

[Chang Elephant]

10 years, 412 appearances, 132 clean sheets

Howard has struggled the past 18 months but he's been a good servant to the club for a long time. I want Howard to leave this summer but that doesn't diminish everything he's ever done.

You can't diminish what he's done any further, it's low end goalkeeping crap tbf

I don't like people calling Tim Howard a clown.

Yep, it's an insult to clowns everywhere

 

[mlyons]

Joel hasn't been hugely tested of late but it's telling that Howard was barely tested this season either.

Howard was tested plenty -- we conceded a staggering number of shots with him in goal. I'm starting to think he had a lot to do with that, but he was certainly tested.

 

[thirdmantackle]

No decent goal keepers in the academy?

I genuinely think there are a lot of good goalkeepers in Ireland (many who play GAA) who if spotted and brought over could turn out to be the new Seamus Coleman - a snip.

 

[Hangleton]

If Robles keeps his place, does it mean Howard will play in the cup? Or Stanek?