Tim Howard feels “secure” at Everton as the USMNT keeper eyes start of 2013/14 EPL season

Jul 31, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard (24) blocks a penalty kick to win the game against Juventus during a penalty shoot out at AT

Tim Howard is leading up towards arguably his most important season in his career. The 34 year old goalkeeper is heading into a new season in Merseyside with Everton under a new manager in Roberto Martinez and with the World Cup looming at the end of the season, Howard is counting on being in form and earning as many starts as possible in goal for the Toffees this year.

For now Howard is sure his status as Everton’s first-choice goalkeeper is secure, and doesn’t feel threatened by the arrival of Joel Robles.  Robles  was one of new manager Martinez’s first signings at Goodison Park. Robles helped Martinez win the FA Cup at Wigan last season and is a promising young goalkeeper that aims to threaten for caps this season. Howard at the moment is not concerned.

“I don’t think that’s ever been in question … I have never asked for assurances (about my status),” Howard said Thursday on a conference call launching NBC’s Premier League coverage in the United States.

“I know where I stand. I think my performances over the last 450 games have merited my place where I am right now. Unless I have been asleep for a few months and forgotten something I think all is pretty well in my camp.”

Howard has three more seasons in his Everton contract and says that he is excited to undergo a new era at Everton under Martinez, who is replacing now Manchester United Manager David Moyes.

“Change is good but I think the tough part about change is everyone is having to get on the same page,” Howard said. “The manager and staff are needing to learn the players, and the players are having to learn the new system and new personalities on the staff. That part, though, has been a pretty seamless transition.”

Despite being 34 and having a new manager and the presence of Robles, Howard made it clear that he won’t be pulling a Clint Dempsey and returning to the MLS any time soon.

“I’ve got three years left on my (Everton) contract — that’s what my future looks like — that’s what’s very concrete for me,” he said. “Obviously I’m American, so when my time in England, in Europe, is done I’m going to live in America. I’m going to be in America.

“So if I’m fit and healthy when that time comes, I think anything’s possible. But right now, I’m happy and I’m excited for the challenges that I’ve always had here at Everton.”

Howard is also excited for the start of NBC’s deal with the EPL and the upcoming World Cup, excited more then he has ever been with soccer becoming more and more popular in the United States.

“The American sports fan is just so hungry for soccer now,” Howard said, adding: “Everyone wants to watch the Premier League. Even other athletes in other sports are watching Premier League soccer just because it’s so exciting.”

Everton will start their EPL season next weekend. Howard will be expecting to start, but the fact that he will be getting less starts this year with the presence of Robles surely won’t make USMNT supporters happy as Howard gears up for what will be likely his last World Cup.