Steve Howey
Steve Howey made more than 300 appearances in the Football League and the Premier League, playing for Newcastle United, Manchester City, Leicester City, Bolton Wanderers and Hartlepool United. He also played briefly for the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer.
He started his career with Newcastle United signing a professional contract on 11 December 1989. At first he was playing in the striker position for the youth and reserve teams until Ossie Ardiles conceived the idea of moving him from the attack back into the defence. As a centre-back Steve was an important part of Kevin Keegan’s First Division championship winning side in 1992/93, winning promotion to the Premier League. Once promoted Steve continued to be a first choice centre-back but was often missing through injury. During Steve’s time at Newcastle they were Premier League runner-up twice in 1995/96 and 1996/97 in addition to FA Cup runner-up in 1997/98 and 1998/99. Steve is still a very popular figure in Newcastle as part of a successful influx from Newcastle’s youth academy which also included Steve Watson, Robbie Elliott and Lee Clark.
In August 2000 newly promoted Man City paid Newcastle £2,000,000 for him. His debut came in a 4-0 defeat to Charlton setting the tone for a disappointing season which saw Man City relegated. Steve remained at Man City the following season as part of the team which secured an immediate return to the Premier League as First Division champions. One last season at Man City saw Steve contribute to a top half finish and comfortable survival. In his three seasons with Man City Steve scored 11 goals. A highlight of his time at Manchester City was scoring a late equaliser against rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, in a game more remembered for the clash between Roy Keane and Alf-Inge Håland.
A £200,000 move to Leicester City followed, however after six months Steve moved on to Bolton. Less than five months and only three appearances later Steve was released. A short spell with New England Revolution in Major League Soccer followed before a final professional appearance with Hartlepool United brought down the curtain on his sixteen-year professional career.
Steve earned four caps for England, starting all four matches. He made his debut starting in a 1-0 win against Nigeria at Wembley Stadium in November 1994. Draws with Columbia and Portugal followed before making his last appearance in a 1-0 victory over Bulgaria.