Bristol City sign Brian Howard in time for clash with Cardiff City
Bristol City FC have completed the signing of Brian Howard until the end of the season.
The 30-year-old has been training with City for the past ten days and joins on a free transfer.
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Brian Howard
Head coach Sean O'Driscoll said: "He's got npower Championship experience and is technically very good.
"Brian was available and financially fits into the model going forwards. His personality will add something positive to the group."
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Winchester-born Howard began his professional career at Swindon Town in 2003, having been released by Southampton's Academy.
With the Wiltshire club he scored ten times in 83 outings. His impressive form caught the eye of Barnsley, where he enjoyed huge success in a three-year spell.
He was a key part of the Tykes' play-off winning team in 2005/06, achieving promotion to the Championship and was named the club's Player of the Year the following season.
In 2008, then-boss Simon Davey made him club captain. His last-minute strike notably knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup at Anfield in February 2008, and in the same cup run Chelsea were beaten at Oakwell en route to the semi-finals.
He then signed for Sheffield United, making his debut against City in a 3-0 defeat for the Robins at Bramall Lane.
He then joined Reading for £500,000 with James Harper going the other way on loan.
After two seasons at the Madejski Stadium, where he was briefly captain, he went to Millwall on loan in 2011. In the summer of 2012 he joined Portsmouth and was made captain, but the financial problems at Fratton Park saw him being released along with a number of other players last month.
The midfielder has been handed squad number 11 and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow's match at Cardiff City.
7 Comments
by THEIRONS
Friday, February 15 2013, 8:50PM
“Here's hoping he is a good signing , all the best to the lad , if he can add that something that has been missing happy days.”
by piledriver
Friday, February 15 2013, 5:06PM
“He only had a minor operation and played 90 mins in 19 games for Pompey before so fitness shouldn't be a huge issue.
He was a right nuisance when we played Barnsley and has got attacking intent, goals and passes in him-Probably more of a Shelton that a Tinnion.
The best time to strengthen is when you're in form so here's hoping that SOD brings in another two to give our squad the depth to get over the line.”
by CiderheadNott
Friday, February 15 2013, 3:20PM
“Don't know the player but SOD (at the very least) is attempting to strengthen midfield.
Seems like he has an idea as to what needs doing at AG unlike some i shall not mention!”
by seanl
Friday, February 15 2013, 2:59PM
“As Emerson has said, the proof is in the pudding!
He's not played in a while, so it may take time for match sharpness and confidence to come.
Fingers crossed he can hit the ground running and become a valued member of the team.”
by Red_Emerson
Friday, February 15 2013, 2:23PM
“Lets see what he plays like!”
by GlennBackwell
Friday, February 15 2013, 2:19PM
“Is there any coincidence Brian Howard has been given the Brian Tinnion 'number 11 shirt' ?!
If Sean O'Driscoll can encourage Brian Howard to replicate the performances during his tenure at Barnsley we will have a genuine asset in our fight to retain Championship status.”
by redferryman1
Friday, February 15 2013, 2:12PM
“This could be an inspirational signing. All parties appear to benefit. It would be nit-picking to find any faults with this deal.”