Jonathan Howson

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Personal information
Jonny Howson
Full name	Jonathan Howson
Date of birth	May 21, 1988 (1988-05-21) (age 20)
Place of birth	Leeds, England
Height	1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Playing position	Midfielder
Club information
Current club	Leeds United
Number	14
Youth clubs
1997-2006	Leeds United
Senior clubs¹
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
2006-present	Leeds United	40 (6)
¹ Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 13/04/2008. * Appearances (Goals)

Jonathan 'Jonny' Howson (born May 21, 1988) is a young English footballer who currently plays for West Yorkshire team Leeds United.

He was born in the city of Leeds and attended Morley Victoria Primary School and Bruntcliffe High School before starting his professional career. Howson is primarily a central midfielder but is also able to play at right wing and as a striker. Former manager, Kevin Blackwell noted that Howson's speciality is passing and finishing.

Howson was a regular in the reserve team pre-2006, scoring many goals for the side. On 22 August 2006, Howson was given a squad number (33) and a place on the bench for the first team against Chester City in the Carling Cup. On 18 September 2006 Howson signed a new 3 year deal with the club, pledging his future to the team he has supported since he was a boy.^[1]

Jonny made his debut for the Leeds first team against Barnet on the 20 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 23 December 2006 in the 0-0 draw. Howson got booked and not only came closest to Leeds scoring, was awarded the man of the match award too.^[2] In addition, Howson won the plaudits of Wise and vice-captain Shaun Derry. Howson gained his first professional goal on 3 February 2007 against Norwich City in the 20th minute.^[3] Jonny, provided two goals against Carlisle that have got Leeds through to the Wembley in the playoffs.

Prior to the 2007-08 season, Howson was rewarded for his hard work with a new three year contact.^[4] That season, Howson made several first team appearances under Dennis Wise. However, he suffered a horrific injury in the 3-2 defeat against Swansea City after being stamped on by Ferrie Bodde.^[3] Howson was stretched off and missed a total of six Leeds matches due to the injury.

Howson returned from injury in the 2-0 defeat to Tranmere Rovers and has played every game under new manager, Gary McAllister so far. Both McAllister and Leeds' vice-captain, Jonathan Douglas have praised Howson for his performances in the 2007-08. On 7 April Howson was nominated for Young Player of the season along with team mates Paul Huntington, Ben Parker, Scott Gardner, Fabian Delph and Tom Elliott he is almost certain to win this award and is an outside shot for player of the season. Howson did win this award.

On 15 April Howson was given the captain's armband against local rivals Huddersfield Town, after the sending off of team mate Jonathan Douglas, even retaining it for their next match agsint Millwall. He is now the youngest player since Leeds legend Billy Bremner to captain the side. On 15 May 2008, Howson scored two vital goals in the League One play-off semi-final 2nd leg against Carlisle United, sending Leeds through to the play-off final at Wembley.^[5]