Howson: Jonathan Mark (Jonny)
2006-Current
(Player Details)
Midfield
Born: Morley: 21-05-1988
Debut: Barnet (h): 20-09-2006
5’11” 12st 1lb (2007)
Howson was born in the city of Leeds and attended Morley Victoria Primary School and
Bruntcliffe High School before starting his professional career. He is primarily a central
midfielder but is also able to play on the right wing and also as striker. Joining the club
1st July 2005, his then manager, Kevin Blackwell noted that Howson's speciality is passing
and finishing. He became a regular in the reserve team in 2005-2006, scoring many goals for
the side. On 22nd August 2006, he was given a squad number (thirty-three) and a place on the
bench for the first team against Chester City in the Carling Cup. On 18th September 2006
Howson signed a new three year deal with the club, pledging his future to the team he has
supported since he was a boy. He made his debut for the Leeds first team against Barnet on
the 20th September 2006, not playing in his true position but pleasing many fans. New
manager, Dennis Wise handed Howson his league debut against Hull City on the 23rd December
2006 in the 0-0 draw. He got booked and not only came closest to Leeds scoring, but was
also awarded the man of the match award. In addition, he won the plaudits of Wise and
vice-captain, Shaun Derry. Since his debut, Howson scored his first professional goal on
3rd February 2007 against Norwich City. He was named United’s ‘Young Player of the Year’ in
2007-08 and wrote himself into Leeds folklore when he scored both goals at Carlisle in the
League One Play-off Semi-Final second leg, the winner coming in injury time, which saw
Leeds overturn a 2-1 home defeat to secure a place in the Wembley Play-off Final. On 20th
June 2008 he was rewarded for his form with new three year contract.He had a form slump and
found that Fabian Delph took over his place but in February 2009 he scored twice against
Cheltenham Town and regained his place in central midfield alongside Neil Kilkenny, with
Fabian Delph moving to the left flank. He was appointed vice-Captain in August 2009 and, due
to the absence of Captain Richard Naylor, led the team to a flying start and formed a
strong central midfield with Michael Doyle. He played a large part in United's eventual
promotion to the CCCL, although his performances were not always consistent.