It seems like a long time ago that Jonny Howson was a Leeds United player – and quite frankly, it has been. The midfielder lived out his dream at the start of his career, as a young lad from Morley, to feature for United in the Championship and League One.
Across six seasons at Elland Road, Howson became a mainstay in the side before eventually moving on to play for Norwich City and Middlesborough.
Howson recently spoke to The Athletic in an exclusive interview, a few months after returning to Elland Road in a very different capacity. He is now a player-coach for Leeds’ U21 side, helping head coach Scott Gardner steer the side to success in the hopes of having these players live out their dreams in a similar fashion that he was able to do, two decades ago.
“When you’re going into something new, it’s a bit daunting (not knowing) what to expect, but there was excitement because it’s Leeds, what the club means to me,” said Howson.
Image via Leeds United
No Rest For The Wicked
Whilst his official title for United is player-coach for the U21’s, his best days are behind him at 37 years old. Howson has featured on the pitch for The Whites at Premier League 2 level six times this season, following a similar career pathway as Paul McShane and Tom Huddlestone did at rivals Manchester United’s reserve side a few years ago. The latter shortly announced his retirement from football altogether, and secured a first team coach role at Wigan Athletic in 2024.
“I never wanted to have time away from football,” Howson said. “You see a few people who have adjusted from however many years where you’ve been told what to do, you’ve had structure to your life, you’re doing this, there’s purpose to your life. I might have struggled with that.
“It’d have been great because I’d have had time on my hands, and I could have gone to watch my kids play football more. I’d have loved that and even now, at times, I wish I had more time on my hands to go and enjoy life bits, or be a father and go and watch my lad play on a Sunday, but this is also my life as well.
“This is what we’ve got to work for, you’re obviously doing it for certain people, and I’m glad I’ve had that quick transition.”
Image via Reuters
‘Judge Me As A Coach’
The former midfielder admitted that he is taking nothing for granted, including his own experience of playing at the professional level – which has included 104 Premier League and 465 Championship appearances across his playing career.
“It’s not just a case of me walking in here and going, ‘I used to captain the club, listen to everything I say. If you don’t, you’ve got no chance; if you do, you’re definitely going to make it.’
“I’ve got to show them I’m passionate about what I do and that I’m willing to give them my time, even if it means staying in a few extra hours to give them five minutes of something I think might benefit them.
“Past playing experiences take me so far, but now, I’m coaching and I’m starting (afresh). Jack Wilshere has gone in at Luton (Town). He said, ‘Jack Wilshere, the player, is gone, judge me now as a coach’. That’s no different to how I see it.”
“‘I’m here for you. It’s not just a job for me to come back because it’s local, and it’s just for me to pass the time and pick up a wage or whatever. I want to be successful too.’”
“I (already) felt extremely lucky, but then, to get another chance to come and work for the club, I feel proud I’ve been able to do that.”
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