Howard: Moyes is like Ferguson

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard believes David Moyes is as vital to the club as Sir Alex Ferguson is to Manchester United.

The Merseysiders are enjoying a strong start to the season but the 49-year-old, who is in the final year of his current contract at Goodison Park, said earlier this week that he is in no rush to put pen to paper on a new deal.

Howard, however, is keen for the Scot to remain in his post and has hailed the impact he has had on the club since his arrival in 2002.

“Obviously for us to go forward and have what we have, we need him to be steering the ship. It’s vital to keep him,” Howard told Sky Sports News.

“I remember talking about this the last time he signed a contract, about how important he is to us.”

The American international compared the situation at Everton to his previous club Manchester United, where Sir Alex Ferguson has been in charge for 26 years.

Howard feels both managers are integral to their sides and will be extremely hard to replace when they eventually leave.

“The next person who comes in after David Moyes is going to have a very difficult job because the gaffer has done brilliant here,” Howard said.

“When you have longevity and success, it’s hard to match. It’s a very similar situation here at Everton to United and after Ferguson.”