Jonny Howson will rejoin boyhood club Leeds United as a player-coach in their under-21 team, after his Middlesbrough exit was confirmed.
Howson’s Boro contract expired at the end of the season and after discussions it was decided that he would not be handed a new contract at Boro. It brought an end to an eight-year spell at the Riverside, during which time he cemented his status as a Boro favourite after making 341 appearances.
Now, the 37-year-old is set to step into a new role where he will begin the first steps of his coaching career after starting his badges while at Boro. It will also allow him to continue playing though, as he steps into an under-21 player-coach role that will see him mentor Leeds’ academy stars and help them prepare for the step-up to the first-team.
An academy graduate at Leeds himself, the chance to return to his boyhood club proved an opportunity he could not turn down. Rules in the U21’s league allow clubs to name up to three overaged players per game in their teams, and similar roles have become a trend for many Premier League clubs who can afford to have the veterans as part of their U21 squads.
Confirming Howson’s exit from the club, Boro wrote: “His versatility and composure were a joy to behold and as club captain he led by example. MFC would like to thank Jonny for his wonderful service, commitment and dedication, and wish him all the very best for the future.”
Boro also confirmed that the former skipper will return to the Riverside at some point in the coming months in order to properly say goodbye to supporters. A number of Howson’s Boro team-mates reacted with personal tributes and thank yous to the veteran as the news broke that he was leaving the club.
