What Jonny Howson said about re-joining Leeds United as he moves on from Middlesbrough | OneFootball

Jonny Howson has returned to Elland Road in a player-coach role with the clubs' U21s after the expiry of his contract at Middlesbrough.

Jonny Howson is "really excited" about re-joining Leeds United in a player-coach role, after the expiry of his contract at Middlesbrough.

Leeds United announced yesterday that Jonny Howson would be re-joining the club in a player-coach role with the club's U21s side.

Howson was a product of the Whites' youth academy, going on to make 185 appearances for United before departing for Norwich City in 2012.

The former Boro midfielder was not given a new deal by new boss, Rob Edwards, upon the expiry of his contract at the Riverside.

Howson's ties to Leeds key to return

In an interview with the Whites, Howson expressed: "Once I heard about the opportunity and with what this club means to me, it was something I was really excited about."

Having grown-up in the town of Morley, within five miles of Elland Road, Howson's links to the city and the club run deep.

His new role takes him back to where it all began for him in 1997, when he joined the Whites' academy.

The 37-year-old doesn't only have ties to the academy, but also under-21s manager, Scott Gardner.

Howson and Gardner played together in the academy set-up and Howson stated: "He [Gardner] has played a big part in me coming back."

Leeds' new Academy strategy

The former Norwich City man will lend his hand to coaching, whilst also mentoring the side on the pitch in a playing role.

Leeds have stated regarding Howson's return: "(It 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."

Howson has already pulled on the Leeds United shirt again, featuring in the U21s' 2-1 win over Tadcaster Albion on Saturday.

Howson's role

When asked about his new role, Howson said: “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."

How many times Howson will feature for the Under-21s remains to be seen, but he will certainly be able to advise the youngsters on how to turn an academy place into a successful career.

His appearance against Tadcaster points towards a prominent role on the pitch for the 37-year-old, as suggested by the club's statement.

No matter the nature of his role, the departed Boro midfielder will be keen to nurture young talent from the academy into the Leeds' First Team, just like he was in 2006 when he made his debut.