Everton are a truly one-of-a-kind club, and that is reflected in how players take to it, whether they are here for many years or just on a temporary basis.

The old moniker does ring true, as uttered by the late, great Alan Ball: ‘Once Everton has touched you, nothing will be the same.’

Throughout David Moyes’ tenure this was abundantly clear, with the calibre of players he recruited and cultivated largely within the same kind of mould.

They would run through walls for him, and as such Goodison Park loved them.

Well, Tim Howard has offered his verdict on the Scotsman, now managing West Ham United, as well as the club as a whole.

Tim Howard shares his love for Everton

Speaking during his induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame, Howard, who starred across a stunning career with Manchester United, Everton and the US national team, was unsurprisingly effusive in his praise for the team where he spent the bulk of his career.

After all, having failed to cement his spot at Old Trafford, he selected Goodison Park as the next stop in his career.

And what a decision that proved to be.

Ten years and 414 appearances later, Howard is now spoken of amongst some of the club’s greatest-ever shot-stoppers for his heroics in between the sticks.

His latest claims will only reinforce the love many Evertonians have for him, as he claimed: ‘Everton Football Club. And David Moyes. If Manchester United is the biggest football club in the world then Everton is without a doubt the greatest.

‘Everton is one of the best things that ever happened to me in my life. I am so very proud to be an Evertonian and what that means and how much of a fabric of the club that I am.’

Everton’s current squad have a few with this mindset

The big problem that Everton have faced in recent years, takeover turmoil, financial troubles and poor ownership aside, has been an apparent lack of interest from the players.

It has been clear to see, and whether that be due to poor management or a conscious decision not to try, it drove a wedge between the fans and their players.

Under Rafael Benitez especially, never before had there been such discontent amongst the fanbase, who were rapidly losing patience despite still selling out home and away.

And whilst Frank Lampard somewhat restored that bond, it is Sean Dyche who has completely healed the burnt bridges by forcing the squad to go back to the basics that helped so many like Howard become fan favourites.

Now, stars like Seamus Coleman, Jordan Pickford, James Tarkowski and Idrissa Gana Gueye are the latest crop of those whom the supporters adore, not for their outstanding talent, but instead for their work ethic and commitment to the club.

Everton, more than any other Premier League club, needs these kinds of players to succeed.