TIM HOWARD has revealed how David Moyes broke the news to his players that he was leaving for Manchester United in the summer.

The typically blunt Blues boss did not want to make any grand gestures when telling his squad during a private meeting after training last Thursday morning.

Howard explained there was little ceremony when Moyes, who will take charge of his final Everton game at Chelsea on Sunday, made the announcement.

“When he told us, it was quick and simple,” said the USA goalkeeper. “He does not do anything dramatic, just straight to the point, and then it’s ‘let’s go training’.

“We already knew by that time so we were just happy for him really. What an opportunity. I have no doubt he will make the most of it and we are just trying to focus on the last games and then see what our own future holds.”

The former Manchester United goalkeeper also maintains “the table is set” for the next Everton manager to continue the good work done by Moyes.

The Toffees will have a new man in charge for the first time in 11 years next season, and Howard sees no reason it cannot be a smooth transition.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is the favourite to take over, with Brighton manager Gus Poyet, Alan Stubbs, Vitor Pereira, and Celtic’s Neil Lennon also in the frame. Howard added: “We are a really strong group of quality players and the foundations are set.

“The table is set for the next guy and I have no doubt, if he is a strong character, a guy who can lead us well, we will have no problems.

“Manchester United and Everton are in the same boat with having to replace the manager in terms of expectation and all the rest.

“It’s just very rare to replace one long-serving manager with another long-serving one so we will need to fill the vacancy with a very strong character. And I have no doubt that will happen.”