Hold your celebrations!!!

**ghimpheng** · 07-05-2007, 01:30 AM

The Premier League have contacted Manchester United and Everton to find out exactly why Tim Howard did not play against United last week.

The American goalkeeper joined Everton on a season-long loan deal from United last summer which became a permanent deal in February.

Premier League rules on loan deals prevent players from playing against their host club but, once the Howard deal became permanent, he was eligible to play against United on April 28.

The Premier League would not have sanctioned the permanent transfer if United had requested a clause preventing Howard from playing against them.

But before the match Everton boss David Moyes appeared to suggest that there had been a verbal agreement between the clubs over Howard's omission.

Moyes said: "While Tim Howard was on loan he would not have been able to play against his parent club, United. But although we have now signed him ourselves, United wanted the loan clause to remain in operation.

"It was partly the reason we were able to tie up the deal for next season as early as we did, we have abided by their wishes."

Moyes recalled reserve keeper Iain Turner from his loan to Sheffield Wednesday and, with Everton leading 2-0, the youngster's blunder gifted United the goal which got them back into a match which they went on to win 4-2.

Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson told the News of the World: "As Howard's is a permanent transfer there is no reason why he could not have played against Manchester United.

"Had such a clause been included in the transfer we would not have allowed it - it would have been a clear case of third-party interference.

"We certainly have no record of an agreement between Everton and United that Howard could not play on April 8."

Reports on Sunday claimed that the clubs could be punished - even docked points - if the Premier League proved there was an agreement between the clubs for Howard to not play.
The more likely outcome is that the Premier League will seek to tighten up the rules surrounding loan deals between Premier League clubs.

The Premier League are now waiting for a response from Everton and United.

**chinkai** · 07-05-2007, 02:57 AM

Premier League clear clubs over Howard

The Premier League are satisfied that neither Manchester United nor Everton broke any rules over the transfer of Tim Howard.

The League contacted the clubs to find out exactly why the American goalkeeper did not play in the Premiership match between them at Goodison Park last week.

Howard joined Everton on a season-long loan deal from United last summer, which became a permanent deal in February.

Premier League rules on loan deals prevent players from playing against their host club but, once the Howard deal became permanent, he was eligible to play against United on April 28.

The Premier League would not have sanctioned the permanent transfer if United had requested a clause preventing Howard from playing against them.

But before the match Everton boss David Moyes appeared to suggest there had been a verbal agreement between the clubs over Howard's omission.

However, a statement from the Premier League confirmed: 'At the time of Tim Howard's permanent transfer from Manchester United to Everton, the Premier League ensured there were no agreements in place that contravened our rules.

'As a result of recent comments we had sought further clarification from both clubs and are satisfied that it remains the case that there were no agreements that breached any of our rules.

'Everton were free to play Tim Howard in their fixture against Manchester United had they so wished - and this has been confirmed by both clubs.'

Let's ignore the sour grapes and continue celebrating! ^^

zenite · 07-05-2007, 12:12 PM

Quote Mourinho:

However, he admitted he was awaiting with interest the outcome of discussions between United, Everton and the Premier League over the failure of Tim Howard to turn out for the Toffeemen in their home defeat to the Red Devils a week ago.

It has been claimed Howard was left out by David Moyes as the result of a 'gentleman's agreement' with Ferguson which was struck when the American turned his loan move at Goodison Park into a permanent deal, although the Premier League today said they were satisfied neither club broke any rules.

'I am not the authorities,' observed Mourinho. 'I can't do anything about it. I just have to sit down and wait and see whether I agree with the decision.

'Everybody knows what the story is. Now I have to see whether I can find friends in other clubs who will agree with me on a couple of things.'

---------------------
seems like hes planning something.

**chinkai** · 07-05-2007, 01:05 PM

One person he can NEVER befriend is Rafa Benitez.

Given his personality, how is he going to make friends? He waltzes into England and proclaims himself as The Special One, that didn't help one bit. The English people respect people who work hard for their dues, but all that bragging and whining certainly doesn't win the hearts of others.

Ferguson, on the other hand, has a proven track record, and having been there so long in the game, he has the respect of his colleagues. I don't recall Ferguson being so full of himself when he first came.

zenite · 08-05-2007, 04:01 PM

he sounds like he going to file an appeal like wat wigan is doing to west ham. and he going to find support for it, which i doubt can get lar. everton lose they nv complain, whose gonna complain? not bolton, not tottenham, not reading and not blackburn. doubt liverpool and arsenal going to bother too.

**chinkai** · 08-05-2007, 04:13 PM

Wigan is filing an appeal only because they are very much in danger of being relegated.

If they were not fighting for survival I doubt they will care too.