Former Lincoln City defender Callum Howe has completed a return to Scunthorpe United, signing a two-year deal with the Iron following his departure from York City.
The 32-year-old will officially join Scunthorpe on July 1, once his current contract expires, and the move takes him back to the club where his professional career began. He departs the Minstermen after playing a key role in their return to the Football League.
Former Imp Returns To Scunthorpe
Howe joined City in the summer of 2015, arriving at Sincil Bank after leaving Scunthorpe and having already gathered useful senior experience through loan spells lower down the pyramid. He came in during Chris Moyses’ time in charge and quickly became part of a Lincoln side beginning to build towards something more substantial.
His first season with the Imps saw him feature regularly, making 31 appearances and doing enough to earn an extended stay. Howe was a strong, honest defender, good in the air and capable of giving City solidity at a time when the squad was still taking shape ahead of the Danny Cowley era.
The following campaign proved to be one of the most important in Lincoln’s modern history. Howe spent the early part of 2016-17 on loan at Southport, but returned to Sincil Bank as City drove towards the National League title and a return to the Football League.
He was not always first choice in that promotion-winning squad, but he remained a reliable member of the defensive group and made 13 appearances during the season. In a campaign remembered for its momentum, cup heroics and packed terraces, contributions like Howe’s were still important, particularly when Cowley needed dependable players to step in without weakening the side.
After promotion, competition for places became even fiercer, and Howe joined Eastleigh on loan during the 2017-18 season. His Lincoln career came to an end in January 2018 when he moved to Port Vale for an undisclosed fee.
National League career
Since then, he has built an impressive National League career. A productive spell at Harrogate Town was followed by a move to Solihull Moors, where he became a key figure, captained the side and earned a place in the National League Team of the Year. He later joined York City, again becoming an important player and helping the Minstermen secure promotion back to the EFL.
His return to Scunthorpe comes after more than 400 senior appearances and adds experience to Andy Butler’s squad ahead of the new campaign. It also reunites him with his younger brother Declan Howe, with the pair now set to play together in Scunthorpe colours.
“Callum is a player we’ve admired for a long time,” said Butler. “He brings experience, leadership and a real desire to win. His qualities both on and off the pitch will be a huge asset to the group.
“We know how much this move means to him, not only because of his previous connection to the football club but also because he’ll be joining his brother here. We’re delighted to welcome him back to Scunthorpe United.”
Howe will be remembered as one of those players who bridged two very different eras. He arrived when City were still trying to find a way out of the National League, a foundation stone of the 2016/17 season. His role may not always be placed at the front of the Cowley story, but he was part of the group that helped restore the Imps’ league status, and his career since leaving Sincil Bank has shown exactly why he was valued during that period.
Comments Welcome!