Nigel Martyn: Tim is good mentor for John Stones
Former Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn believes that big American goalie Tim Howard is the perfect mentor for youngster John Stones.
Martyn believes it is similar to when he was at Leeds United and Jonathan Woodgate was coming through and says that mentoring from a goalkeeper will certainly help with positioning
“Like Tim [Howard] with John Stones, I had that with a very young Jonathan Woodgate at Leeds,” Martyn told evertonfc.com. “We had a senior back four at the time with Lucas Radebe and David Wetherall but Jonathan broke into the team when he was very young.
“He was quick which helps because if he did make a mistake he can overturn those errors. But if they are keen to learn, a few helpful hints from behind from us goalkeepers can usually get them in the right place.
“But if they have got the quality, they will make the grade.”
Everton replaced Martyn with Howard from Manchester United in 2006 and the former Leeds United keeper believes that he was a brilliant replacement.
Martyn added: “I think Tim has been the model of consistency ever since he has followed me into the nets. He just doesn’t seem to make mistakes and he always comes up with big saves.
“I know David Moyes said that I was one of his best signings but I think you could say that about Tim because of the amount of years he has played and the consistency he has shown.
“He’s been an excellent signing and player for this club.”
Comment below or have your say at www.theevertonforum.co.uk/forum