Jonny Howson joins Leeds United Academy | OneFootball

Leeds United are pleased to announce former player Jonny Howson will take up an exciting role within the club’s Academy set up.

Jonny will join Scott Gardner’s Under-21s side in a player-coach role, offering a huge amount of experience to help with development of our young players at a key time in their early careers.

Howson began his journey in the game with the Whites, making his debut for his boyhood club in 2006 and would help guide Leeds to promotion from League One in the 2009/10 season, notably scoring the equaliser on the final day fixture with Bristol Rovers at Elland Road.

Lengthy spells with Norwich City and Middlesbrough would follow, seeing Howson amass over 750 professional appearances in all competitions, whilst also regularly wearing the armband when representing each club.

Howson now returns to Thorp Arch and will help pass on his years of experience in the game to the exciting crop of talent coming through the ranks in the club’s Academy, both on and off the pitch.

The move is part of a longer-term strategy of the Academy, with the aim of fielding a young Under-21s side, ensuring early opportunities for our most talented youngsters who can be guided on the pitch by senior players, including the 37-year-old.

After completing his return, Howson said: “Once I heard about the opportunity and with what this club means to me, it was something I was really excited about. I grew up with Scott in the academy and he has played a big part in me coming back.

“I feel I can really offer something to the group as I have been where they are now and I am definitely a bit biased, but we all want to see academy players progressing through this club. So if I can help off the pitch, or on it when required, then it is something I am really excited about and I can’t wait to get going.”

Everyone at Leeds United would like to welcome Jonny back to the club and we wish him all the best in his new role. He is now available for the trip to face Boston United in the National League Cup on Tuesday.