Howson’s departure from Middlesbrough was confirmed this morning, bringing an end to the 37-year-old eight-year stay on Teesside.
Boro held talks with Howson about his future shortly after the end of last season, but even at that stage, it is understood that the Morley-born veteran was aware of interest from his hometown club.
Howson, who was a boyhood Leeds fans, progressed through the academy at the Elland Road club and made his senior debut in September 2006.
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He made 225 senior appearances for Leeds, helping the club win promotion to the Premier League, before leaving to join Norwich City in 2012.
While he became a Boro legend during his eight seasons on Teesside, most of which saw him skipper the side, he continued to have a soft spot for Leeds and the opportunity to return to his ‘home’ club would have had a strong emotional pull.
It is understood that Howson will take up a player-coach role that will see him take on a senior coaching role within Leeds’ Under-21 group while also being available to play in matches for the junior side.
Boro have confirmed that Howson will be given the opportunity to return to the Riverside at some stage next season to say a proper goodbye to the club’s fans.