Football
Exclusive: Bolton and Blackpool Plot Move for Veteran Midfielder Jonny Howson
Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool are aiming to sign former Middlesbrough midfielder Jonny Howson, who left the club after eight seasons. The 37-year-old, with over 750 career appearances, is open to continuing his career in the Championship with the offer from the two League One clubs. His experience and leadership qualities make him an attractive option for Bolton and Blackpool as they seek promotion next season.
Middlesbrough v Sheffield Wednesday - Sky Bet Championship by Stu Forster | Getty Images
League One clubs Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool are looking to offer veteran midfielder Jonny Howson a lifeline for next season, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The 37-year-old left Middlesbrough this week after eight seasons with the Championship club.
Now the Trotters and Seasiders are hoping to entice the free agent, who has over 750 career appearances under his belt, to Lancashire ahead of their respective quests to win Championship promotion this season.
Former Boro skipper Howson joined the Teeside club in a £6 million deal in July 2017 and went on to make 341 appearances for the club across eight seasons.
The former Leeds United and Norwich City man chipped in with ten goals during his long association with Boro, but it was his role as a holding midfielder which made him a fans’ favourite at the club.
Howson previously enjoyed four seasons in the Premier League with the Canaries and helped them win promotion to the top-flight for 2015 having been relegated the previous season.
CLUB LEGEND
The midfielder has played an impressive 457 Championship games during his distinguished career.
Despite approaching his 20th year as a top professional, our sources understood Howson believes he has plenty still of offer and is open to the opportunity of dropping down a division to play regular football and extend his career.
Bolton and Blackpool are both hungry to push for promotion next season having just missed out on play-off football last term.
And with Howson understood to prefer to stay in the North of England, both clubs could present the perfect chance to carry on playing in the twilight of his career respectively.
"His versatility and composure were a joy to behold and as club captain he led by example," said Boro in a statement.
"MFC would like to thank Jonny for his wonderful service, commitment and dedication, and wish him all the very best for the future."
"Jonny will return to the Riverside in the coming months to say farewell to the supporters."
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.