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David Howells

David Howells (born 15 December 1967) is an English football coach and former professional footballer. As a player, he was a who played 277 times in the Football League for Tottenham Hotspur, scoring 22 goals, and won the in 1991. He also appeared in the for and played in the Football League for Bristol City, before ending his career in with clubs including , Havant & Waterlooville and Guildford City. After retiring as a player, Howells served as director of football at City and worked as a sports agent. As of 2025, he is a teacher at Farnham Heath End School.

Early life and youth career

Birth and family background

David Howells was born on 15 December 1967 in , , . Guildford, a historic serving as the of , underwent notable urban development during the and , including pedestrianisation efforts and the construction of shopping centres like The Friary Centre, amid a period of post-war economic expansion in the prosperous South East of England. He grew up in this environment, known for its middle-class communities and proximity to , which facilitated access to cultural and recreational opportunities typical of the era. Howells has a younger brother, Gareth Howells, born on 13 June 1970 in , who also developed an interest in sports and pursued a professional path as a . The two brothers shared early enthusiasm for athletic activities, reflecting the family dynamics in a household supportive of physical pursuits.

Introduction to football and youth development

David Howells began his engagement with football in the late 1970s in his hometown of , , where he played informally with his brother after school and participated in local matches through Bishop Reindorp School. His early passion was nurtured by his family, including his father, a former for Guildford City, who provided encouragement for his ambitions. At age 11, Howells was scouted during county trials at , where he impressed by scoring a notable goal, leading to an invitation for a trial with Tottenham Hotspur during the Easter holidays. He joined the club's youth academy in 1980 at age 12, initially trialing as a winger before transitioning to a central role. During his academy years from 1980 to 1985, he worked under youth team manager Keith Blunt, who emphasized professionalism and development, helping shape his early career. Howells' potential as a emerged through standout performances in youth competitions, including an end-of-season tournament in that led to his full-time apprentice status. In the 1984/85 season, he contributed significantly to Tottenham's senior youth team's victory in the South-East Counties Senior , scoring three goals across the competition, including one in the first leg of the final against at , where Spurs secured a 3-2 win. These displays, combining his finishing ability with growing midfield vision and passing, underscored his versatility and readiness for senior football. In 1985, at age 17, Howells signed his first professional contract with Tottenham Hotspur, marking the culmination of his youth progression and the start of his senior career.

Football career

Club career at Tottenham Hotspur

David Howells made his senior debut for Tottenham Hotspur on 22 February 1986, at the age of 18, in a First Division match away to Sheffield Wednesday, where he started as a central and scored the winning goal in a 2–1 victory. Over his 12-year tenure at the club from 1986 to 1998, Howells amassed 335 first-team appearances across all competitions, including 277 in the league where he scored 22 goals. A pivotal season in Howells' Tottenham career was 1990–1991, during which he contributed significantly to the team's triumph under manager . Howells featured in all four of Tottenham's matches that campaign, including starting in the semi-final victory over and playing the full 120 minutes in the final against Nottingham Forest at on 18 May 1991. In that match, Tottenham secured a 2–1 win after extra time, with goals from Paul Stewart and an by ; Howells, positioned as a central midfielder alongside and , provided defensive stability in midfield amid Paul Gascoigne's early injury. Howells' playing style evolved during his time at Tottenham, initially as a more defensive central midfielder focused on breaking up play, but shifting toward a greater attacking involvement under Venables from 1987 onward, where he supported forwards like Gary Lineker with forward runs and goals. This progression continued under Gerry Francis from 1994, as Howells adapted to a more dynamic role in midfield, contributing to Tottenham's push for European qualification in the mid-1990s with improved passing and positioning in attacking transitions. Throughout his Spurs career, Howells experienced several notable challenges, including a just below his knee in late 1997 that sidelined him for seven weeks during the 1997–1998 season, an injury that foreshadowed ongoing knee problems. He also featured in high-profile matches such as the 1991 Cup semi-final run and derbies against , though transfer rumors linking him to other clubs remained minimal amid his consistent first-team status. Howells departed Tottenham in May 1998 upon the expiry of his contract, signing as a with shortly thereafter.

Later club career and retirement

After leaving Tottenham Hotspur in 1998, Howells joined Southampton on a free transfer in July of that year. He made 9 league appearances for the Saints in the 1998–99 Premier League season, scoring once in a 2–1 defeat to Arsenal on 17 October 1998, where his equalizing goal briefly leveled the score at 1–1. His time at Southampton was limited by a recurring knee injury, and he departed the club in March 1999. In March 1999, Howells moved on a short-term loan to Bristol City in the Second Division, where he featured in 8 league matches and scored 1 goal during their campaign that saw them finish sixth and reach the playoffs. Despite contributing to their promotion push, the loan stint exacerbated his knee issues, leading him to return to Southampton without securing a long-term role. Howells' professional career wound down in starting in 2001, as he played part-time for from 2001 to 2003, followed by spells at Havant & Waterlooville in 2003–04 and Guildford City from 2004 to 2006, where he recorded 17 appearances and 3 goals. These lower-level engagements allowed him to stay involved in the game while managing his injury limitations. A persistent knee problem, stemming from his Tottenham days and described as bone-on-bone with no , forced Howells to announce his from full-time professional in August 2000 at age 32. Despite the official , he continued part-time play in non-league until 2006. Across his professional career, Howells amassed 294 league appearances and 24 goals, primarily with (277 appearances, 22 goals), (9 appearances, 1 goal), and Bristol City (8 appearances, 1 goal). Reflecting on his career end, Howells noted that retirement was challenging but ultimately positive, as it opened doors to coaching abroad, particularly in , and running soccer schools, allowing a varied transition away from playing. He expressed enjoyment in his brief spell despite the physical toll, viewing the non-league phase as a way to ease out of the sport while staying connected to .

International youth career

Howells earned his first international recognition with the England under-17 team in 1985, making four appearances during the Tournoi Juniors U-18 de Cannes in . He started in all matches, scoring once in the opening 2-1 victory over the on 3 April, alongside Paul Moulden's equalizer, before draws against and further wins over the and secured the tournament title. In 1986, at age 18, Howells progressed to the under-18 squad, accumulating four caps without scoring. His debut came in a 2-0 friendly win over the on 25 February at , where he started in midfield alongside Paul Stephenson and Andy Kiwomya. Later that year, he featured as a substitute in two matches during a tour of : a 12-0 rout of the on 9 May and a 1-1 draw (4-2 on penalties) against on 11 May, both at the in . These outings, including UEFA European Championship qualifiers, highlighted his versatility in central midfield amid strong competition from peers like David Hirst and Paul Moulden. Despite his youth-level success, Howells never progressed to senior international caps, overshadowed by prominent midfielders such as and during his Tottenham prime. The exposure from these youth tournaments, however, bolstered his confidence and tactical awareness, aiding his breakthrough into Tottenham's first team later in 1986.

Post-playing career

Coaching and directorial roles

Following his retirement from playing in 2006, David Howells took on the role of Director of Football at Guildford City, where he contributed to the club's operations while occasionally appearing as a player. In 2007, Howells transitioned to a coaching role at Westfield in , joining the management team alongside Martin Powell and to oversee the senior teams in the Combined Counties League. The trio aimed to elevate the club's performance, emphasizing tactical discipline and youth integration, though they stepped down in 2008 after a season of competitive matches. His involvement at Westfield highlighted his growing emphasis on non-league team management and grassroots development. Howells obtained his B coaching license, which supported his shift toward structured youth programs. By January 2012, he joined as Director of Football, a role he held until June 2018, overseeing the school's comprehensive program including matches and player progression. In 2014, he was appointed of the first XI, leading the team in inter-school competitions and fostering a philosophy that incorporated elements of his own playing career, such as resilience under pressure. This period marked his successful move from club-based directorship to school-centric coaching, prioritizing long-term player education and holistic development.

Teaching and other professional activities

Following his retirement from professional football in 2000, David Howells transitioned into sports work, where he represented players and managed contracts as a FIFA-licensed . This role allowed him to remain connected to the sport, providing guidance to emerging talents during the 2010s and into the early 2020s. In recent years, Howells has shifted focus to education, taking up a position as a teacher of at Farnham Heath End School, a secondary school in , . This role leverages his extensive football background to inspire students through coaching-related activities and instruction. Howells has also contributed to football discourse through media engagements, including a 2022 interview with Hotspur's official channels, where he reflected on his playing career and lifelong connection to the club. In 2024, he appeared on the Official Hotspur Podcast, "Off The Shelf," discussing his academy progression, key matches, and experiences alongside figures like . In April 2025, he participated in a vs Cancer event, stepping back onto the pitch for a Spurs legends appearance. These appearances highlight his ongoing role in sharing career insights with fans and the broader .

Personal life

Family connections

David Howells' younger brother, Howells (born 13 June 1970), is a retired English footballer who primarily played as a . Like David, began his career in Hotspur's youth setup before turning professional with , where he made 83 appearances during the 1990–92 seasons. His career continued in , including stints with in from 1993 to 1995, St Albans City from 1996 to 1998, from 1999 to 2001, Town from 2001 to 2003, & from 2003 to 2007, and , where he served as a during the 2010–11 season. Following his retirement from playing, transitioned into and currently serves as of Primary Sporting , a Surrey-based organization delivering sports programs in schools. The Howells family's strong support played a key role in David's early development and sustained interest in . Their father, a devoted Tottenham Hotspur fan, introduced David and to the club by taking them to matches, including their first—a 1–1 draw against Coventry City on 28 December 1974—when the brothers stood in the West Stand enclosure. The family spent weekends at , where their father managed the club for eight years starting when the brothers were around seven years old, providing hands-on exposure to the game and reinforcing familial encouragement throughout David's professional journey. No other siblings are documented in available sources.

Residence and later interests

David Howells, a native of in , has long maintained his primary residence in the area, fostering deep connections to the local community where he was born and raised. He shares his home with his wife, reflecting a stable family life centered in this region. As a lifelong Tottenham Hotspur supporter, Howells remains passionately engaged with the club beyond his playing days, often describing matches—particularly derbies—as pivotal to his personal well-being and viewing Spurs as an integral part of his identity. His personal interests include leisurely walking, as evidenced by family breaks exploring scenic areas like reservoirs, and he continues to enjoy physical pursuits such as . In recent years, Howells has channeled his post-career energy into and community involvement, regularly representing at events. In June 2024, he joined fellow legends Ossie Ardiles and at the Children's Hospice Golf Day, where the group helped raise approximately £100,000 for the cause, an effort he described as "fantastic" for supporting vital work with children and families. He also participates in Hotspur Legends matches, which focus on fundraising for various good causes while allowing him to informally mentor and connect with younger players from across eras. In November 2025, he appeared alongside at a legends event. These activities underscore his ongoing commitment to giving back through sports-related initiatives as of 2025.

References

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