Source: Liverpool_Echo
Everton FC team of the decade voted for by Liverpool ECHO readers
YOUR responses have been counted; tributes logged, quips noted, and sarcastic comments tallied.[LNB]Now all that remains is for us to introduce your main men of the decade for the pub debates to begin.[LNB]Drum roll please . . . here's your Everton Team of the Noughties.[LNB]GOALKEEPER - Nigel Martyn[LNB]ONLY two men made a credible claim for the goalkeeper's jersey over the decade; current incumbent Tim Howard, and the man Everton signed at the second time of asking - Nigel Martyn.[LNB]The Blues infamously first tried to buy Martyn in 1996, but the move was allegedly scuppered by then chairman Peter Johnson's absence, with director Clifford Finch insisting that he was too busy to meet the player at Goodison Park, and instead asking him to turn up at Park Foods in Birkenhead.[LNB]Martyn himself subsequently confirmed that Finch kept him waiting for an hour, and later provided driving directions to Leeds after learning that the Yorkshire club had matched Everton's offer![LNB]Fortunately, things went more smoothly in 2003 when the Cornishman joined to provide competition for Richard Wright.[LNB]He soon went on to find a place in the side, saving Everton from relegation that season, and later going for more than eight hours of Premiership games without conceding.[LNB] Martyn helped the Blues to their fourth place finish in 2005, and shone consistently until a stress fracture of his ankle forced his retirement at 39.[LNB]He was unanimously judged the best Everton goalkeeper since Neville Southall - some compliment![LNB]'Martyn just pips Howard to this as the team weren't as strong whilst he was there and he was an outstanding player for the team at the time,' commented Dave Parry of Liverpool.[LNB]Right back of the decade >>>>>>
