Jonny Howson

Jonny Howson

Howson playing for Leeds United
Personal information
Full name	Jonathan Mark Howson[1]
Date of birth	21 May 1988[1]
Place of birth	Morley, West Yorkshire, England
Height	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Playing position	Midfielder
Club information
Current team	Norwich City
Number	8
Youth career
1997–2006	Leeds United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps^†	(Gls)^†
2006–2012	Leeds United	186	(23)
2012–	Norwich City	136	(16)
National team
2011	England U21	1	(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 23:52, 16 April 2016 (UTC). † Appearances (goals)

Jonathan Mark "Jonny" Howson /ˈhaʊsən/ (born 21 May 1988) is an English professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Norwich City in the Premier League. A graduate of Leeds United's youth system, he previously served as the club's captain.

Howson was born in Morley and started his professional career at Leeds United. He was the longest serving player at the club, having served under four different managers and making 225 appearances since he made his debut in the League Cup in September 2006.

In April 2008, United manager Gary McAllister awarded the captaincy to a nineteen-year-old Howson for the league game against Millwall, making him the youngest player to captain the club since Billy Bremner led the side from the mid 1960s. Since 2010, he has regularly captained the side in the absence of Richard Naylor. In July 2011, Howson was made the permanent captain of Leeds United.^[2] In January 2012, Howson joined Premier League side Norwich City in a deal costing around £2 million.^[3]

Club career

Leeds United

Early years and breaking through

Howson was born in Morley, West Yorkshire and attended Bruntcliffe School.^[1][4] Howson came through the Leeds United Academy along with James Milner, Danny Rose and Aaron Lennon and was a regular in the Leeds reserve team pre-2006, scoring a number of goals at that level. On 22 August 2006, Howson was given a squad number (33) and place on the bench for the first team against Chester City in the League Cup, although he did not play. On 18 September 2006 Howson signed a three-year deal with the club, pledging his future to the team he has supported since he was a boy.^[5]

Howson made his debut for the Leeds first team against Barnet in the League Cup on 20 September 2006. The manager who gave Howson his debut Kevin Blackwell was sacked immediately after the game. New manager Dennis Wise handed Howson his league debut in December in the scoreless draw against Hull City. Howson was awarded the Man of the Match award for his terrific league debut^[6] In addition, Howson won the plaudits of Wise and vice-captain Shaun Derry. Howson scored his first professional goal in February 2007 against Norwich City. However Howson and Leeds were relegated from The Championship at the end of the 2006–07 season and dropped to the English 3rd tier for the first time in Leeds' history.^[7]

Prominence, play-offs and promotion

Despite dropping a division, Howson remained on the fringes of the first team for the club's first ever third-tier campaign in 2007–08. As Leeds began the campaign with a fifteen-point deduction for their administration process, Howson watched from the bench as the team made light-work of overturning the deficit. He made his first league start of the season in their fifth game on 8 September, replacing Jonathan Douglas who was reporting for international duty with the Republic of Ireland. Howson picked out a beautifully weighted pass to Frazer Richardson on the wing who crossed for Tresor Kandol to give Leeds the lead on the 20th minute. Jermaine Beckford doubled the lead shortly after half-time as Leeds recorded a 2–0 victory and five wins from five as they hit the zero point mark at the first time of asking. Despite Howson's contribution, he was largely restricted to substitute appearances and cup games for much of the early season.

An injury to Douglas in mid-December would allow Howson the opportunity to stake a claim for a first-team place. He scored the winner in the following game versus Bristol Rovers but his run in the team was short-lived after a horror-tackle from Swansea City midfielder Ferrie Bodde in a 2–3 defeat on 28 December ruled him out for several weeks.^[8] The game would also be Howson's last under manager Dennis Wise who left for the boardroom at Newcastle United in late January. Wise's replacement – United legend and Howson's boyhood hero – Gary McAllister would see a greater emphasis placed on the club's younger players including Howson who became a regular towards the end of the season. Howson grew into his role and became more influential by the game, eventually captaining the side away to Millwall and becoming the youngest captain since Billy Bremner in doing so. After United narrowly missed out on an automatic promotion place, their play-off campaign would set the stage for one of Howson's finest games in a Leeds shirt. With Leeds trailing in tie after a surprise 1–2 defeat in the first leg at Elland Road, Howson struck twice – the second a last minute winner – in a 2–0 victory at Brunton Park to send the club to their first Wembley final since 1996.^[9] Leeds lost the final 1–0 against Doncaster Rovers, with the goal coming from Howson's failure to mark goalscorer James Hayter.^[10] Nevertheless, Howson was voted Leeds' Players' Young Player and Fans' Young Player of the Year at the club's end of season awards and he was also rewarded for his form with new three-year contract, extending by a further year if Leeds win promotion to The Championship.^[11][12]

The following season saw high hopes for Howson but he ultimately struggled to find his form. Fabian Delph superseded him as the club's hot young prospect and the team's indifferent form put added further pressure on the young midfielder. Howson remained a regular under McAllister for the first half of the season but the Scot's underwhelming tenure was eventually ended in December after five straight defeat in the league and cup. Blackpool manager Simon Grayson succeeded McAllister and Howson was mostly restricted to substitute appearances for his first ten games. He eventually returned to the side in February, scoring both goals in Leeds' 2–0 victory over Cheltenham Town. He gradually re-established himself as a first team regular with Fabian Delph being moved out to a wide left midfield position. Howson finished the season in a permanent central midfield place alongside Neil Kilkenny and started in both of the club's two unsuccessful play-off semi-finals against Millwall.^[13]

At the beginning of Leeds' third campaign in League One, Howson was appointed the new Leeds vice-captain and due to the absence of club captain Richard Naylor, took the captaincy for the start of the season.^[14] Howson started the season well, creating a solid central midfield partnership with Michael Doyle and leading the team to nine straight wins in all competitions but he lost the armband when club captain Richard Naylor made his return from injury against Carlisle United in late September. Leeds topped the league for the much of the first half of the season after an excellent star; losing only once in the league between August and January, running Premier League giants Liverpool close in a 0–1 defeat in the Carling Cup and reaching the third round of the FA Cup and regional final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy by the start of the new year. Leeds began 2010 away to arch-rivals and Champions of England Manchester United in the FA Cup. Howson provided a fifty-yard assist for Jermaine Beckford early in the first-half as the League One club caused one the competition's greatest ever upsets and Leeds' first victory at Old Trafford in nearly thirty years in a 1–0 victory. It was the first time that the Reds had been eliminated from this stage of the competition under Alex Ferguson.^[15] Leeds faced Tottenham Hotspur in the next round three weeks later when Howson's again provided a long-range pass for Beckford who won a last-minute penalty. With United trailing 2–1, Beckford grabbed the equaliser from the spot to bring Spurs back to Elland Road. Unfortunately, Tottenham won the replay 3–1 and Leeds also missed out on another Wembley appearance after losing on penalties to Carlisle United after drawing 4–4 on aggregate in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy regional final.

Howson scored his fourth goal of the season in the Yorkshire derby against Huddersfield Town, with the game finishing 2–2. After beginning the year eight points clear with a game in hand at the top of the table, Leeds' league form started to falter. The club's success in the cups had placed great strain on the side having played fifty games by the beginning of March. Norwich City had overtaken them at the top and promotion rivals Swindon Town, Milwall and Huddersfield Town gained ground. United eventually fell out of the automatic promotion zone after a 3–0 defeat at home to Swindon but they recovered and went into the final game of the season versus Bristol Rovers at Elland Road simply needing a win to get promoted at the third time of asking. Howson's poor form had seen him dropped to the bench but he came on after Rovers had taken the lead. Howson quickly equalised and the goal galvanised the crowd and team. The visitors soon began making mistakes and Beckford gave Leeds the advantage soon after. Leeds held on to their 2–1 lead and secured the runners' up spot; earning promotion back to the Championship in doing so.

Return to the Championship and departure

Howson remained an integral part of the first team as Leeds returned to the Championship. He started on the opening day of the season versus Derby County and provided an assist for Luciano Becchio to equalise early on in the game but he was unable to prevent the Whites from losing their first opening day fixture since 1989 as the Rams secured a surprise 2–1 away win. He took the captaincy for United's next game versus Lincoln City in the League Cup and he opened the scoring in a 4–0 victory in under two minutes. He gained his first league goal of the season a few weeks later in a shock 5–2 defeat to Yorkshire rivals Barnsley.^[16]

Howson captaining his boyhood club in a Championship match against future employers Norwich City in February 2011.

As United continued their slow start to the season, they went into their game versus Scunthorpe United on 30 October on the back of a crushing 4–0 home defeat versus Cardiff City and with Grayson's position under scrutiny. Scunthorpe cancelled out Max Gradel's early strike with an equaliser midway through the first half as the teams went into half-time at 1–1. With Howson playing in his preferred attacking midfield position, he scored a surprise fifteen-minute hat-trick during the second half as Leeds sealed a valuable 4–1 victory. This feat was made all the more remarkable as it was considered to be a 'perfect' hat-trick; consisting of three goals with left-foot and right-foot strikes as well as a header.^[17][18] The game proved somewhat of a catalyst for the side as it began a twelve-match unbeaten run which would last into the new year and propel United into automatic-promotion contention. Howson – thriving in a more attacking position – added a further three goals during this run in away victories over Coventry City, Burnley and a draw at home to Portsmouth.^[19][20][21]

United's impressive form continued into 2011 as Howson captained to the side to what was almost another famous FA Cup victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on 8 January. The Gunners equalised in the 90th minute through a penalty from Cesc Fàbregas after Robert Snodgrass had initially given United the lead from the spot shortly after half-time.^[22] Leeds lost the replay 1–3 at Elland Road a couple of weeks later. The month was characterised by United's familiar prudent attitude in the January transfer window as the side began to slip away. Howson helped to end a run of two wins in eight games with his ninth and tenth goals of the season in a 5–2 victory over Wembley victors Doncaster Rovers on 5 March.^[23] The month proved to be a personal success for Howson as he was nominated for and won the Championship Player of the Month award.^[24] As United returned from an international break, they recorded a vital 4–1 victory over ten-men play-off rivals Nottingham Forest with Howson opening the scoring early in the second-half.^[25] The team's failure to win any of their subsequent five games would cost them a play-off spot, missing out by a point as they finished the season in seventh place. Howson ended the season with a personal best of eleven goals from midfield and he picked up the club's Young Player of the Year award.^[26]

In the summer of 2011, Howson was made permanent club captain, replacing the departed Richard Naylor. Howson's long-term midfield team mates Neil Kilkenny and Bradley Johnson also left the West Yorkshire club, with Player of the Year Max Gradel joining the exodus on the deadline day of the Summer transfer window, as Ken Bates once again emphasised the need for prudence, much to the anger of the fanbase. Howson's first game as official captain of Leeds came on the opening day of the season as Leeds suffered a 3–1 defeat against Southampton.^[27] He picked up his second career red card in the next league game versus Middlesbrough as United lost 0–1.^[28] Despite the loss of several key players and their slow start to the season, United recovered to remain competitive for much of the first half of the season; regularly stationed in the play-off zone. On 29 November, Howson scored his first goal of the season in a 4–0 away victory over Nottingham Forest in what was an emotionally charged affair, coming only two days after the death of Leeds legend Gary Speed.^[29] In the following game, Howson picked up a knee injury against Millwall in what would prove to be his last match for the club.^[30][31] The injury was suspected to keep Howson out of football for several months and he did not feature for his boyhood club again before he was sold to Premier League Norwich City in late January 2012.^[32]

The sale of Howson prompted protests amongst Leeds supporters; enraged by what they perceived as a lack of ambition after failure to hold on to several key players in recent seasons and minimal investment in the first team squad.^[33] United defender and Howson's long-term friend Ben Parker rejected the club's claims that midfielder wanted to leave the club at a fans forum whilst negotiations were taking place.^[34] Parker would be sent out on loan to Carlisle United shortly after and Simon Grayson, who had initially defended the sale, was sacked after criticising the club's lack of investment after a 1–4 defeat to Birmingham City on the January transfer deadline day.^[35] In total, Howson made 225 appearances for the club and scored 28 goals.^[36]

Norwich City

On 18 January 2012, Leeds reported that they had "reluctantly accepted"^[37] a bid from Norwich City for Howson. After agreeing terms and completing a medical, Howson was signed on 24 January and would wear shirt number 24 for the Canaries.^[38] After recovering from his knee injury, he made his Norwich debut on 3 March in a 1–0 defeat to Stoke City. He then cemented a place in the side, starting three consecutive games in March. Howson then scored his first goal for the club on 7 April in a 2–2 draw against Everton with a close-range finish.^[39] After the game, manager Paul Lambert described the performance as one of the best midfield performances that he had ever seen and likened his passing ability in the game to Barcelona and Spain midfielder Andrés Iniesta.^[40] His performances in the last eleven games of the season helped Norwich to secure Premier League safety and the Canaries eventually finished 11th, with 2 goals in the last 2 games of the season and a fine solo effort at Manchester City. Howson again proved his capability as an attacking midfielder with a good performance away at Stoke on 29 September 2013, scoring from a long-range effort that won Norwich the match 1–0.

International career

England U21

In March 2010, Howson was watched by England under-21 manager Stuart Pearce.^[41] On 6 February 2011, Howson received his first call-up to the squad for a friendly match against Italy. Howson made his debut during the game – a 1–0 defeat – entering the field as a 60th-minute substitute.^[42][43] 23 March 2011 Howson received his second call up to the Under 21's squad for the match against Denmark Under 21's.^[44]

On 3 May 2011, Howson was called up to the provisional England under-21 squad for the European Under 21 Championships.^[45] However, when the final squad was trimmed to 23 players, Howson was left out of the final line-up. However he was placed on standby for the Championships and could be called up at any time.^[46]

Honours

Club

Norwich City Championship

• Play off winner: 2014–15

Championship Play Off Leeds United League One

• Runners-up: 2009–10
• Play-off runners-up: 2007–08

Personal

Club awards

Leeds United

Player of the Year Awards – Young Player of the Year: (2)

• Winner: 2007–08, 2010–11

Player of the Year Awards – Best Contribution to the Community Award: (2)

• Winner: 2009–10, 2010–11

Competition Awards

PFA Fans' Championship Player of the Month Awards: (1)

• Winner: March 2011

Career statistics

As of 19 March 2016.^[47]

England
Season	Club	Division	League		FA Cup		League Cup		FL Trophy		Play-offs		Total		Discipline
			Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
2015–16	Norwich City	Premier League	31	3	1	0	2	1	–	–	–	–	34	4	7	0
2014–15		Championship	34	8	1	0	1	0	–	–	3	1	39	9	5	1
2013–14		Premier League	27	2	0	0	0	0	–	–	–	–	27	2	3	0
2012–13		Premier League	30	2	1	0	2	0	–	–	–	–	33	2	1	0
2011–12		Premier League	11	1	0	0	0	0	–	–	–	–	11	1	3	0
Norwich City Total			133	16	3	0	5	1	0	0	3	1	144	18	19	1
2011–12	Leeds United	Championship	19	1	0	0	3	0	–	–	–	–	22	1	4	1
2010–11		Championship	46	10	2	0	2	1	–	–	–	–	50	11	7	0
2009–10		League One	45	4	6	1	3	0	2	0	–	–	56	5	5	0
2008–09		League One	40	4	3	0	4	0	2	1	2	0	51	5	1	1
2007–08		League One	26	3	2	0	2	0	2	0	3	2	35	5	4	0
2006–07		Championship	9	1	1	0	1	0	–	–	–	–	11	1	1	0
Leeds United Total			186	23	14	1	15	1	6	1	5	2	226	28	22	2
Career Total			307	38	16	1	18	1	6	1	5	2	336	42	34	3

References

1. Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2009). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2009–10. Mainstream Publishing. p. 200. ISBN 978-1-84596-474-0.
2. http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20110731/paynter-goal-secures-victory_2247585_2406373
3. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/01/24/2864063/official-norwich-city-complete-signing-of-jonny-howson-from
4. Morley Observer & Advertiser (29 September 2010). "Leeds legend Lucas finds Bruntcliffe top of the league" http://www.morleyobserver.co.uk/ (accessed 4 May 2011)
5. Leeds United (18 September 2006). "Big Deal For Jonny" Leeds United.com (accessed 18 September 2006)
6. Leeds United (23 December 2006). "One For The Fans" Leeds United.com (accessed 24 December 2006)
7. http://www.football-league.co.uk/features/20080806/ones-to-watch-league-1_2249035_1359027
8. ESPN (28 December 2007). " (accessed 24 September 2009)
9. The Guardian (19 May 2009). "Leeds Wembley-bound after Howson strike" (accessed 24 September 2009)
10. http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/2010/01/premiership/a-pl-star-in-the-making-leeds-uniteds-jonny-howson
11. The Telegraph (16 May 2008). "Steve Claridge on Leeds United's Jonathan Howson" (accessed 24 September 2009)
12. Leeds United (20 June 2008). "Jonny Agrees Deal" (accessed 20 June 2008)
13. "Leeds United 1 Millwall 1: Match report". The Daily Telegraph (London). 14 May 2009.
14. Yorkshire Evening Post (2 September 2009). "Jonny's pride at captaincy role" (accessed 24 September 2009)
15. Kay, Oliver; Trafford, Old (4 January 2010). "Leeds United shock Manchester United in the FA Cup third round". The Times (London).
16. "Barnsley Live". Leeds United. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
17. "Scunthorpe Live". Leeds United. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
18. Stewart, Rob (3 November 2010). "Leeds United chairman Ken Bates dreaming of team of 'strong Yorkshire boys'". The Daily Telegraph (London).
19. "Coventry Live". Leeds United. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
20. "Portsmouth Live". Leeds United. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
21. "Burnley Live". Leeds United. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
22. "Late Leveller Denies United Arsenal Scalps". Leeds United. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
23. "High Five For United Against Donny". Leeds United. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
24. "Jonny Up For March Award". Leeds United. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
25. "United Put Four Past Forest". Leeds United. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
26. "Max Scoops Up the Gongs". Leeds United. 28 April 2011. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
27. "United Crash at Southampton". Leeds United F.C. 6 August 2011. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
28. "Leeds 0 – 1 Middlesbrough". BBC Sport. 13 August 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
29. "UNITED ROMP TO EMOTIONAL SUCCESS". LUFC. 29 November 2011.
30. "LEEDS VS MILLWALL". LUFC. 3 December 2011.
31. "NO TIMESCALE ON JONNY RETURN". LUFC. 12 December 2011.
32. "Whites supremo reveals extent on captain's knee injury". Sky Sports. 14 December 2011.
33. "Norwich Signing Howson Upsets Leeds Fans". Tribal Football. 25 January 2012.
34. "Ben Parker on Jonny Howson". The Football Network. 25 January 2012.
35. "Simon Grayson had his faults but Leeds fans question timing of sacking". The Guardian. 25 January 2012.
36. "Statistics". Soccerbase. Retrieved 1 October 2008.
37. "Offer accepted for Jonny". leedsunited.com. 18 January 2012.
38. "Howson set to join Canaries".
39. "Norwich 2–2 Everton".
40. "Jonny Howson is like Andres Iniesta, says Norwich City boss Paul Lambert".
41. "Spotlight on League One – Febian Brandy Snubs Latics". GillsConnect. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
42. "Jonny Gets England Call Up". Leeds United. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
43. "Italy England Preview". The FA. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
44. "Denmark England Preview". The FA. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
45. "Jonny in International Sights Again". Leeds United. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
46. "Jonny on Under 21 Alert". Leeds United. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
47. "Statistics". Soccerbase. Retrieved 1 October 2008.

External links

• Jonny Howson career statistics at Soccerbase