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Howard wants to be Lane No 1
MARK Howard has set his sights on dislodging Steve Simonsen from Sheffield United’s starting 11.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to Sheffield Wednesday, the former Arsenal, Aberdeen and Blackpool goalkeeper admitted the prospect of playing in high-profile games such as the Steel City derby was one of the factors which lured him to Bramall Lane.
Howard, who made his first appearance in a United jersey during yesterday’s 6-1 Central League success over Stoke, told The Star: “I’ve come here to try and play football. There’s no point in denying that.
“Simmo is a brilliant keeper and he’s shown why he’s so highly regarded since I’ve been here. But I’ll be working hard to try to get my chance in the team.”
Howard, who has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Bramall Lane, added: “There’s always a lot of competition amongst us goalies and we don’t have any problems with that.
“Everyone knows what the score is because when you’re in our position there’s only one role in the team. Other players can swap about and change their roles a bit but we can’t. But it doesn’t mean to say that you can’t get along. In fact, you have to because we work pretty much on top of each other week in and week out.
“We’re competing against each other for that starting role but we also really help each other out when we can.”
United, who last night insisted injured midfielder Kevin McDonald will be given until “the final moment” to recover for the meeting with Gary Megson’s side, have placed Lee Williamson and Nick Montgomery on standby should the former Scotland under-21 international’s hamstring fail to heal in time.
“Kevin is undergoing treatment,” a spokesperson said.
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North east
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Comments
There are 7 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
Donny Blades
Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 09:21 AMYes coz those 2 really put the frighteners on people!
Gerimo
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 10:21 PMHe's due to have a stinker,he'll be frightened to death of O'Grady & Madine.
Bladesbhoy
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 05:07 PMSimmo is on top of his game at the moment. On current form I'd be hard pressed to pick a better keeper in the poor division. He won't be dropped for the pig game. Hopefully he won't drop any howlers again and the ref this time may keep on eye on the goalkeeper-charging bully boys
Swillsborough is a right dump
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 05:06 PMIm not bothered who plays in the net on Sunday. They wont have much to do anyway!
Proud2B-British
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 04:09 PMGet Howard in now it's only a matter of time 'till Simonsen starts dropping the clangers again.
manorblade
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 11:10 AMI met mark when he was at Blackpool , nice kid thought he was a bit small to make the grade but thrilled he's at the lane i will be getting in contact with him see if he wants to go out for a vodka or two.
oscar1246
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 11:08 AMMark Howard played 4 or 5 matches late December and early January while ackpool's first choice Matt Gilks was injured. He only lost his place due to failuer to agree a new contract. Blackpool are famous for low wages, especially none first team players. Mark played that well for the first team many fans wanted him to keep his place or at worst be signed up reserve keeper. The Blades have got a keeper who can do the business in the Championship. Competition is good, both for the players and Blades supporters.
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