Flashbacks:June 2009 - Iron sign former QPR manBy Jonathan Waldron »
Braintree Town have signed former Queens Park Rangers defender Andrew Howell.
The 20-year-old left-back has become the latest youngster to move to Cressing Road after signing for the Iron from Ryman League premier division outfit, Tooting and Mitcham.
Braintree boss Robbie Garvey has a long association with his Tooting counterpart, Billy Smith.
And that helped him beat off competition from other clubs to sign the tough-tackling Howell.
Garvey said: “We have been chasing him for quite a while now.
“I have a lot of time for Billy Smith and have known him for around 20 years.
“Andrew is a player he did not want to lose – he was Tooting’s player of the year last season in the Ryman League.
“He played for QPR’s first team when he was 17 and he can play at either left-back or in left-midfield.
“He also lives locally, in Dunmow, which is another bonus.”
Howell, who played for Norwich City’s youth sides, signed a professional contract at Loftus Road in June 2007.
He made one first team appearance at Rangers – playing in their Carling Cup win over Northampton Town - and also skippered their under-18 side to the Puma Youth Alliance League title.
Howell, who also played for Wealdstone, will challenge Mark Jones for the left-back spot at Braintree next season.
The 29-year-old experienced full-back completed a surprise U-turn, after electing to stay at Cressing Road.
Jones, who enjoyed a testimonial last summer against former club Southend United, had previously turned down an offer to stay with the Iron.
However, he has now had a change of heart and will be part of Garvey’s plans for next season.
“I’m delighted that Mark has decided to stay with us,” said Garvey.
“I made no secret of the fact that I wanted him to stay with us and we offered him a competitive deal.
“He has been top player and a fit Mark Jones will be one of my top pros next season.”
www.braintreeandwithamtimes.co.uk/sport/4430762.Iron_sign_former_QPR_man/ And recalling his QPR "career"
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Andrew Howell: Two Years Ago Made the Squad Play Sheffield United...Now off to Wealdstone-As QPR prepared to play
Sheffield United, QPR announced yesterday that QPR's nearly 19-year old defender, Andrew Howell has joined Wealdstone on loan (a club where a number of QPR players have gone on loan: Most recently Sean Thomas)
Two years ago this week, QPR were also set to play Sheffield United, and then 16-year old, Andrew Howell was in the squad for the first time. (Howell ended up not being in the team or on the bench. )
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - February 23, 2006
16 Year old Defender, Andrew Howell in the SquadSixteen year old left back Andrew Howell has been called up to the first team squad to face Sheffield United. Head of Youth Joe Gallen said: "Andrew had the choice to either join the Commandos or QPR - I'm so glad he picked us. He has been doing very well and has been rewarded for his hard work. "He is as hard as nails as a footballer and I'm sure he'll be able to cope with the step up."
In other news Kevin Gallen is now back in full training and Simon Royce has started doing light work.
Scott Donnelly will miss the trip to Bramall Lane with a bruised foot, while Gareth Ainsworth and Mauro Milanese are both suspended.
www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~793403,00.html
February 22, 2008 QPR OFFICIAL SITE - HOWELL DEPARTS ON LOANR's defender Andrew Howell has joined Wealdstone on loan.
The 18 year-old left back, who has featured regularly for the Reserves this season, will stay with the Ryman Premier division side until Saturday 3rd May 2008.
Howell could be in line to make his Stones' debut against Ramsgate tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon.
WEALDSTONE OFFICIAL SITE - HOWELL SIGNS FROM QPRWealdstone have signed 18 year old left back Andrew Howell from QPR on loan until the end of the current season.The highly rated Howell has featured regularly in the QRR reserves this season and will be available for Stones Ryman League match away at Ramsgate. Wealdstone
Howell's QPR Debut - QPR Official Site Auguste 22 2006 - HOWELL DEBUTSTeenager Andrew Howell makes his senior debut, as the R's entertain John Gorman's Northampton Town in the Carling Cup tonight.
The 18 year-old, no-nonsense defender - who will wear squad number 33 - slots in at left back, in a side showing no fewer than seven changes from Saturday's 1-1 draw with Preston North End at Deepdale.
Jake Cole starts in goal for the first time since entering the fray as a second half substitute on the final day of last season, while Marcus Bignot replaces Matthew Rose at right back.
Zesh Rehman and Damion Stewart will be hoping to continue their impressive start to the campaign at the heart of the R's defence, while the midfield quartet consists of Shabazz Baidoo, Marc Bircham, Stefan Bailey and Lee Cook.
King Kev returns to the R's starting line-up
Skipper Kevin Gallen makes his first start of the season in attack, alongside new boy Dexter Blackstock.
Martin Rowlands and Gareth Ainsworth are both ruled out through injury, while Nicky Ward is rested, as Gary Waddock keeps one eye on Friday's Championship clash with Ipswich Town, live on Sky Sports.
Nigerian midfielder Egutu Oliseh has finally received international clearance and is named on the bench alongside Paul Jones, Pat Kanyuka, Scott Donnelly and Ray Jones.
Egutu Oliseh is named amongst the substitutes
QPR: Cole, Bignot, Stewart, Rehman, Howell, Baidoo, Bircham, Bailey, Cook, Gallen, Blackstock.
Subs: P Jones, Kanyuka, Donnelly, Oliseh, R Jones.
Northampton Town: Bunn, Crowe, Chambers, Kirk, Aiston, Jess, Burnell, Brett Johnson, Dyche, Bradley Johnson, Quinn.
Subs: Harper, Bojic, Watt, Cross, Gilligan.
August 22, 2006 - Match Reports of Northampton 3 QPR 2qprreport.blogspot.com/2006/08/reports-comments-on-qpr-3-northampton.html
