Russell Howarth

Who is Russell Howarth?

Russell Michael Howarth is an English former footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

Howarth started his career in the youth system of hometown club York City in 1996 while a schoolboy, before becoming a trainee in 1998. He made his first team debut at the age of 17, playing in the first six games of the 1999–2000 season. During this run in the team he signed a professional contract with the club. However, he was unable to play regularly for York because of the form of Bobby Mimms and Alan Fettis. After having trials with Premier League and First Division clubs, Howarth left York in November 2002 to sign for Tranmere Rovers for a five-figure fee. Here, he again played sporadically, only having runs in the team when first-choice goalkeeper John Achterberg was unavailable. After being released by Tranmere in 2005, Howarth signed for Bradford City. However, he was unable to dislodge Donovan Ricketts in goal and was released in 2007. He immediately retired from football and started working as a paramedic.

While at York, Howarth played for England at a number of youth levels. He was capped twice at under-16 level in 1999, while still a trainee at York. He tussled with Chelsea's Rhys Evans for a starting place in the under-18 side, playing for them in 2001 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship qualifying. After making four under-18 appearances from 2000 to 2001, he progressed to the under-20 side, competing with Evans, Stephen Bywater and Boaz Myhill for a place in the side. He was capped four times for the side from 2001 to 2002 before being given a late call-up to the under-21 squad for the 2002 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship. Following his move to Tranmere he was still included in under-21 squads, but failed to be capped at that level.