Steve Howard

Steven John Howard (born 10 May 1976) is a former professional footballer who played as a striker. Howard was usually cited as a typical target man and renowned for his aerial strength.[3]

For other people with the same name, see Steve Howard (disambiguation).

Steve Howard
Howard in 2009
Personal information
Full name Steven John Howard[1]
Date of birth (1976-05-10) 10 May 1976[1]
Place of birth Durham, England
Height 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)[2]
Position(s) Forward
Youth career
1994–1995 Tow Law Town
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1995–1999 Hartlepool United 145 (26)
1999–2001 Northampton Town 86 (18)
2001–2006 Luton Town 212 (96)
2006–2008 Derby County 63 (17)
2008 → Leicester City (loan) 1 (0)
2008–2012 Leicester City 146 (28)
2012–2013 Hartlepool United 42 (3)
2013 → Sheffield Wednesday (loan) 8 (1)
Total 703 (189)
National team
2007 Scotland B 1 (1)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Club career

Early career

Howard began his career at non-league Tow Law Town, whilst working as a roofer as his day-job. He worked 12-hour shifts and also dug up roads before moving to Hartlepool United in 1995. He moved on to Northampton Town as their record signing for £120,000 in February 1999.[4]

Luton Town

Luton Town signed him for £50,000 on 22 March 2001 with another £25,000 due if Luton avoided relegation, which they failed to do.

Howard was almost sacked from Luton in late 2001 after an incident during an away game against York City. The Hatters had been awarded a penalty, and Howard grabbed the ball from the designated penalty taker and promptly missed. However, an infringement was noticed and the penalty was ordered to be re-taken. Against the protests of the senior players and the management team, Howard once again grabbed the ball and stepped up to take the penalty, missing once again. He was substituted immediately afterwards and he walked straight into the changing rooms. After reclaiming his place in the team, Howard went on to score 24 goals as Luton finished runners-up in the Division 3 and Howard won the Golden Boot for that Division.

The 2002–03 season saw Howard partnered by Tony Thorpe. Many pundits expected Thorpe to be the striker to hit 20+ goals that season, but it was Howard who again finished as the Hatters' top scorer, this time with 23. Howard was part of the squad of players that dug deep and stuck together as the awful mess of the 2003 take-over saga unravelled. During that season, Howard suffered from a hernia and missed a large chunk of the season, but again he finished as the Hatters' top scorer, this time with 16 goals.

In the summer of 2004 a transfer to Sheffield Wednesday for £500,000 appeared to be imminent after Wednesday announced that Luton had accepted a bid for him.[5] Luton then came out and denied accepting a bid.[6] After much confusion, Howard stayed at Luton and earned himself a League One winner's medal. With 18 goals, Howard played a crucial part in Luton's promotion season, earning himself a place in the League One PFA Team of the Year alongside five of his Luton teammates.[7]

Howard signed a new deal in June 2005,[8] despite interest from a host of clubs in Luton's new league.[9] In his first season at Championship level, he managed to hit 15 goals in 45 appearances. This is more impressive because Howard played a large chunk of the season at centre-half following an injury crises. Howard scored more than 100 goals for Luton and is the third all time scorer. He wore the number 19 shirt at Luton, and Howard is regarded by Luton fans as a club legend, with over 100 goals in all competitions (96 in the league), five years of service, two promotions and a never-say-die attitude.

Howard's form attracted "derisory offers" from Leeds United, Cardiff City and Norwich City.[10] On 22 July 2006, he signed a three-year contract with Derby County for £1 million.[11] Then-manager of Luton Mike Newell said the club had no choice but to let Howard leave the club.[12]

Derby County
Howard in 2006 during his time at Derby County

Howard made his Derby County debut in a 2–2 draw with Southampton on the opening day of the 2006–07 season. His £1 million fee made him Derby's biggest signing for over 5 years and he initially struggled to repay it as he failed to score in his first seven appearances for the club. He finally broke his duck with the winner in a 1–0 victory against Wolves at Molineux and went on to score in four consecutive games, the first player to do so for the club since Fabrizio Ravanelli in 2001.[4]

Howard quickly became a fans' favourite as his work rate and goals helped Derby to finish third in the 2006–07 Championship and eventually earn promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 5 years following a 1–0 win over West Bromwich Albion in the play-off final. He finished the season as Derby's top scorer with 19 goals, of which 16 came in the league and 3 in Cup competitions, two of which were vital goals in the Championship play-off semi-final first leg against Southampton at the St. Mary's Stadium, giving Derby a 2–1 lead prior to the second leg at Pride Park. Howard was also nominated for the January 2007 Championship player of the month award and was awarded the Jack Stamps Trophy as Derby's Player of the Season for 2006–07.[13]

Howard, and Derby as a team, found life in the Premier League difficult and he managed only one goal in a 4–1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on 8 December 2007.[14] He also missed a vital penalty in a 2–1 home defeat to Blackburn Rovers on 30 December 2007. It proved to be his last contribution for Derby County, and the club confirmed there was interest shown in Howard from other clubs in December.[15]

Leicester City
Steve Howard playing for Leicester City, 13 September 2008
Howard in his fifth season with Leicester, 21 September 2011

Howard joined Leicester City on 1 January 2008 for a fee of £1.5 million, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract.[16] Initially signing on loan, Derby teammate Matt Oakley joined him at the club on 11 January. He made his debut in a 3–1 defeat to QPR on 1 January 2008.[17] He scored his first goal in an M69 derby on 12 January, in which Leicester won 2–0.[18] Howard bagged a hat-trick in a 4–1 win over West Brom on 15 March,[19] a result he said was coming and was confident the club could stay up.[20] Despite regaining his form by scoring six goals however, Howard could not prevent Leicester from being relegated at the end of the season.

Desperate to win promotion back to the Championship, Howard was able to maintain his form the following season.[21] Partnering teammate Matty Fryatt in attack, he scored 13 league goals and contributed numerous assists to help Leicester maintain their lead at the top of League One.[22] He went on to help the club secure their promotion as champions, earning his second League One medal on 24 April.[23] Howard was also voted Leicester City supporters club player of the season for the 2008–09 season.[24] His overall performance earned him the club's player of the season award on 28 April 2009.[25]

In April 2009, Howard believed Leicester could win promotion to the Premier League in the 2009–10 season.[26] He failed to score his first goal until 12 December 2009, in a 3–0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.[27] Howard scored a total of 5 league goals in 35 matches as Leicester qualified for the Championship play-offs.[4] Despite eventually going on to lose to Cardiff City 4–3 on penalties in the play-off semi-final,[28] Howard's performance in the second leg earned him great plaudits, being described in both The Times and The Scotsman as "unplayable".[29][30]

Howard extended his contract with the club until June 2012 on 21 October 2010.[31] He scored 4 league goals and played 35 games in the 2010–11 season, of which 19 were as a substitute.[32] He was linked with a permanent move to Sheffield Wednesday in April 2011, but Leicester denied that they were selling him.[33] In the 2011–12 season, Howard's position in the first team was limited as a result of Leicester buying new strikers.[32] He made his 55th appearance off the bench in a 2–0 win over Coventry City on 3 March 2012.[34] This made him the most-used substitute in the club's history, beating the previous record of 54 held by Trevor Benjamin.[35]

Hartlepool United return

On 11 July 2012, Howard re-joined Hartlepool United as a free agent following his release from Leicester City[36] His first goal back at the club came in a 2–1 defeat at home to Sheffield United on 2 October 2012. However, his first season back was not successful and Steve was booed off in his last game before being loaned out to Sheffield Wednesday while Hartlepool were relegated to League Two.

Howard's first game back from his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday was in a pre-season friendly for Pools against Middlesbrough F.C. in which his substitution was greeted to boos[37] due to comments he had made about the club in the press and on Twitter. Boss Colin Cooper stated that "He wants to repay the fans and although he knows that won't be easy, it's something he's determined to do" as he was handed the number nine shirt for the 2013–14 season.[38]

Howard's contract was terminated by mutual agreement on 25 November[39] after only managing 3 goals in a season and a half. His last game for Hartlepool saw him sent off after only being on the field for five minutes in a 3–1 home defeat to Oxford United.[40]

Sheffield Wednesday

Howard was signed on loan on 28 March 2013 and was one of 3 emergency loan signings made by manager Dave Jones. Howard was brought in alongside Stuart Holden and Seyi Olofinjana. Some owls fans were speculative about the loan signing of the 36-year-old, who was brought in from – at the time – bottom of the League One Table, Hartlepool United who were on the verge of relegation. Howard made his first appearance for the Owls against Bristol City at Ashton Gate on 1 April 2013 in a 1–1 draw. During the game Howard flicked on a header to set Jermaine Johnson up for his fourth of the season. Howard only played 63 minutes before being substituted by striker, Gary Madine. Howard made his second appearance for the owls as substitute, in the 69th minute and replaced striker Leroy Lita. Howard started his third game for the Owls, partnered alongside Leroy Lita and was denied a first Wednesday goal from a close range shot saved by Millwall keeper David Forde, in a vital 1–2 victory over Millwall. Howard's first goal for the Owls came in the last game of the season from a Miguel Llera pass, Howard struck a top left finish in the 2–0 victory over Middlesbrough, to clinch safety from the hands of relegation.

International career

Along with James Morrison and Gabriel Agbonlahor, Howard was one of a number of English-born players identified in June 2007 as being eligible to play for Scotland.[41] In November 2007, he was named in the Scotland B squad for a match against Republic of Ireland B,[42] scoring on his debut in a 1–1 draw.[43]

Personal life

Howard is a fan of Newcastle United and fulfilled a lifelong ambition of playing at St James' Park when he played in the Derby side which drew 2–2 on 23 December 2007.[44]

Career statistics
As of match played 28 September 2013.[45]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Hartlepool United 1995–96 Third Division 43710302[lower-alpha 1]2499
1996–97[46] Third Division 317101000337
1997–98[47] Third Division 43710212[lower-alpha 2]0488
1998–99[48] Third Division 28522202[lower-alpha 1]1348
Total 1452652816316432
Northampton Town 1998–99[48] Second Division 120–––120
1999–2000[49] Third Division 411010201[lower-alpha 2]04510
2000–01[50] Second Division 33820201[lower-alpha 2]0388
Total 86183040209518
Luton Town 2000–01[50] Second Division 123–––123
2001–02[51] Third Division 42240010004324
2002–03[52] Second Division 41221021004423
2003–04[53] Second Division 341530211[lower-alpha 2]04016
2004–05[54] League One 40183410004422
2005–06[55] Championship 43141110–4515
Total 21296857210228103
Derby County 2006–07[56] Championship 431630213[lower-alpha 3]25119
2007–08[57] Premier League 201–10–211
Total 63173031327220
Leicester City 2007–08[57] Championship 21610––226
2008–09[58] League One 411340213[lower-alpha 1]15015
2009–10[59] Championship 36510101[lower-alpha 4]0395
2010–11[60] Championship 2942041–355
2011–12[61] Championship 2002011–231
Total 14728100834116932
Hartlepool United 2012–13[62] League One 343101000363
2013–14[63] League Two 8000100090
Total 423102000453
Sheffield Wednesday (loan) 2012–13[62] Championship 81–––81
Career total 703189307327166781209
  1. Appearance(s) and goal(s) in Football League Trophy
  2. Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
  3. Appearance(s) and goal(s) in Football League Championship play-offs
  4. Appearance in Football League Championship play-offs

Honours
Individual
Luton Town
Derby County
Leicester City

References
  1. Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2009). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2009–10. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84596-474-0.
  2. "Steven Howard Profile". HartleepoolUnited.co.uk.
  3. "Holloway wary of Howard reliance". BBC Sport. 12 February 2008. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
  4. "Steve Howard profile". LCFC.com. Archived from the original on 12 April 2009. Retrieved 9 April 2009.
  5. "Owls eye strike duo". BBC Sport. 14 May 2004. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
  6. "Confusion over Howard move". BBC Sport. 21 May 2004. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
  7. "Swans duo win PFA team accolade". BBC Sport. 25 April 2005. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
  8. "Howard commits himself to Hatters". BBC Sport. 16 June 2005. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
  9. "Clarets boss admits Howard talks". BBC Sport. 9 March 2005. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
  10. "Leeds bids for Luton duo rejected". BBC Sport. 7 July 2006. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
  11. "Rams snap up Luton striker Howard". BBC Sport. 22 July 2006. Retrieved 8 April 2009.
  12. "Newell happy to let pair depart". BBC Sport. 25 July 2006. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
  13. "Nugent handed Championship award". BBC Sport. 12 February 2007. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
  14. "Man Utd 4–1 Derby". BBC Sport. 8 December 2007. Retrieved 8 April 2009.
  15. "Jewell reveals interest in Howard". BBC Sport. 12 December 2007. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
  16. "Leicester confirm deal for Howard". BBC Sport. 1 January 2008. Retrieved 18 May 2008.
  17. "QPR 3–1 Leicester". BBC Sport. 1 January 2007. Retrieved 5 January 2007.
  18. "Leicester 2–0 Coventry". BBC Sport. 12 January 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
  19. "West Brom 1–4 Leicester". BBC Sport. 15 March 2008. Retrieved 18 March 2008.
  20. "Big win was on the cards – Howard". BBC Sport. 17 March 2008. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
  21. "Foxes desperate to go up – Howard". BBC Sport. 22 July 2008. Retrieved 2 February 2010.
  22. "Howard 'happy to do dirty work'". BBC Sport. 1 December 2008. Retrieved 8 March 2009.
  23. "Champions Picture Special". LCFC.com. 25 April 2009. Archived from the original on 18 February 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2009.
  24. "Trio honoured at awards". LCFC.co.uk. Leicester City FC. 23 April 2009. Archived from the original on 18 February 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2009.
  25. "Howard bags club gong". LCFC.co.uk. Leicester City FC. 28 April 2009. Archived from the original on 18 February 2012. Retrieved 29 April 2009.
  26. "Foxes can go straight up – Howard". BBC Sport. 29 April 2009. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
  27. "Leicester 3–0 Sheff Wed". BBC Sport. 12 December 2009. Retrieved 13 December 2009.
  28. "Cardiff 2–3 Leicester (agg 3–3)". BBC Sport. 12 May 2010. Retrieved 13 May 2010.
  29. <Percy, John (13 May 2010). "David Marshall keeps Cardiff on road to Wembley". London: Times Online. Retrieved 11 June 2010.
  30. <"Cardiff City 2 – 3 Leicester City: Marshall is Cardiff hero as Leicester pay costly penalty". The Scotsman. 13 May 2010. Retrieved 11 June 2010.
  31. "Steve Howard signs new Leicester City contract". BBC Sport. 21 October 2010. Retrieved 15 January 2011.
  32. Steve Howard happy to fight for Leicester City place, BBC Sport, 20 July 2011, retrieved 10 March 2012
  33. Sven-Goran Eriksson denies Steve Howard exit talk, BBC Sport, 10 May 2011, retrieved 10 March 2012
  34. "Leicester 2–0 Coventry". BBC Sport. 3 March 2012. Retrieved 4 March 2012.
  35. Steve Howard sets new City record, thisisleicestershire.co.uk, 8 March 2012, retrieved 10 March 2012
  36. "Steve Howard re-joins Hartlepool United as free agent". BBC. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  37. "FULL-TIME REPORT: Hartlepool United 0 Middlesbrough 0". Hartlepool Mail. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  38. "Steve Howard handed No.9 shirt as he remains at Hartlepool United". Hartlepool Mail. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  39. "Hartlepool 1 – 3 Oxford". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  40. "Scots consider Agbonlahor call-up". BBC Sport. 10 June 2007.
  41. "Scots B call-up for English trio". BBC Sport. 9 November 2007. Retrieved 14 April 2009.
  42. "Scotland B 1–1 Rep of Ireland B". BBC Sport. 20 November 2007. Retrieved 14 April 2009.
  43. "Sorry If We Disappointed You Today Howard". Magpies Zone. 22 December 2007. Retrieved 9 April 2009.
  44. "Steve Howard". Soccerbase.
  45. "Games played by Steve Howard in 1996/1997". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  46. "Games played by Steve Howard in 1997/1998". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  47. "Games played by Steve Howard in 1998/1999". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  48. "Games played by Steve Howard in 1999/2000". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  49. "Games played by Steve Howard in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  50. "Games played by Steve Howard in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  51. "Games played by Steve Howard in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  52. "Games played by Steve Howard in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  53. "Games played by Steve Howard in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  54. "Games played by Steve Howard in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  55. "Games played by Steve Howard in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  56. "Games played by Steve Howard in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  57. "Games played by Steve Howard in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  58. "Games played by Steve Howard in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  59. "Games played by Steve Howard in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  60. "Games played by Steve Howard in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  61. "Games played by Steve Howard in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  62. "Games played by Steve Howard in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  63. "Howard receives August gong". Retrieved 16 October 2017.
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