Tim Howard at Bill Hamid Introduction: He Hasn’t Hit His Prime Yet

“I think this is a testament to the club, to the city and what we continue to try to do here and bring in someone of Bill’s quality. This is a great destination for soccer and this is a great destination for soccer players and players who want to achieve high levels within their game.”

And with those words at AutoZone Park on Tuesday, Memphis 901 FC President Craig Unger ushered in the Bil Hamid era here in Memphis. This is without a doubt the biggest ever signing by Memphis 901 FC and should be viewed as something of a coup. At just 32 years of age (still young for goalkeepers) Hamid amassed 279 appearances for DC United in MLS between 2009 and 2022 as well as earning 8 caps for the United States Men’s National Team from 2012 to 2020.

Sporting Director Tim Howard was very happy that 901 FC was able to land Hamid.

“Huge day. Massive day for the club. It feels like one of our biggest days and we’ve had some really good ones.” Howard said. “In terms of capturing the signature of Bill Hamid, we’re giddy over it.” He also added, “I think this signing makes us smile and makes us proud that we could land such a high level international with the experience and games accumulated and trophies lifted. There’s some real experience there.”

Howard of course is one of the most revered goalkeepers in USMNT history, having racked up 121 caps and represented the US at two World Cups. With both Howard and Hamid being goalkeepers for the national team, it was perhaps unsurprising that Hamid wound up in Memphis. (It is also worth noting that Hamid will be the third USMNT goalkeeper to take the field for 901 FC after Howard played in 2020 and Cody Cropper played in 2021)

“I have the good fortune of having Bill’s personal cell phone number,” Howard said with a laugh. “It was delicate though because I’ve known Bill a long time so it’s not as simple as ‘everybody I know should come play for Memphis.’ That’s not how a team is built.”

And perhaps the strongest statement of belief in Hamid was when Howard stated, “I think it has to be said, and I’d bet my reputation on this, that he as a goalkeeper hasn’t hit his prime yet.”

Hamid’s arrival could not have come at a better time as 901 FC has proven over the course of their first two games this season, to be prone to conceding goals. They dropped the season opener to Loudoun United 3-1 and followed it up with another 3-1 loss, this time to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

For his part, Hamid cites his relationship with Howard as a big reason why he came to play here.

“Well first and foremost I’ve had a relationship with Tim for a very long time going back to national team camps back in the day when I was really young. I used to be scared like no other,” he said with a hearty chuckle. “But I’ve always been a big fan of Tim. My first email address was ‘youngtimhoward.'”

Trips down memory lane notwithstanding, Hamid says the goal for him is to win. “Part of the conversation was how the team did last year and what the team looks like. We went through every single position and they taught me the depth chart.”

“We have a striker that scored over 20 goals last season and we have a good captain so it was good to learn what the team looked like. We made a playoff run last year so now my goal is to help add to that. We want to be champions and we want to win a trophy.”

As far as his style of play Hamid didn’t hesitate: “I’m bringing a lot of experience to the team. I’m a big communicator. I like to organize my back line and put out the fire before the fire burns the team down.”

When asked if he was going to suit up for 901 FC’s next game at the Oakland Roots on Saturday, Hamid was more hesitant saying, “I’m not going to commit to that just yet. I just got here yesterday and got on the training field for the first time today and I’m trying to learn the ways of the land here. I’ve got my fiance’ and my son here so trying to find a home and get settled.”

Should he be unavailable for the game in Oakland on Saturday, the next chance will be on April 1 at Miami FC and failing that the US Open Cup game away to Knoxville on April 5. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait a little while to see him in uniform at AutoZone Park as the next 901 FC home game isn’t until April 15 against the Las Vegas Lights. Regardless of how long the wait to see him is, it should be worth it.