Leeds United manager Daniel Farke should have three points on his mind this afternoon as his side face Burnley away from home.
With seven games gone, Leeds now enter a period of games where points are all that matters after encouraging displays prior to the international break.
Burnley awaits this afternoon, and for Daniel Farke, it’s a chance to tackle a six-pointer and make a real statement.
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There’s been a growing trend of clubs turning to players at the back end of their careers as a way of adding experience to their squads. That is even if these players don’t have much, if any part to play on the pitch.
Alex Cairns came in as third-choice ‘keeper last year, while Jonny Howson made an emotional return to his boyhood club after seven years at Middlesbrough.
While Howson coming back to Leeds sparks immense nostalgia, he’s only back in a player-coach role for the U21s. It’s an important role, though, as a mentor for United’s next generation.
Jonny Howson is back at Leeds United in a coaching role. (Action Images/Ed Sykes)
In spite of his youth role, Howson has still caught Farke’s eye at Thorp Arch. He discussed the 37-year-old’s impact since arriving.
“Impact on me because I thought no sign him for the first team,” Farke said, per the YEP. “I love him as a player, such a great lad and such a great player, he can play until 45, when I look over at how smooth he is on the ball it’s more like I am tempted to call him up for our training.
Despite Farke being enamoured by Howson’s level of technical brilliance, it won’t be a case of him turning out for the senior squad in the Premier League for his second debut.
“He’s top class, don’t worry, I won’t call him up,” Farke continued. “But to have him around, with his Leeds roots, as a role model, it’s a perfect thing to have. Of course, you can’t just run it with local boys but overall it’s a really good thing.”
Jonny Howson being back at Leeds United sparks fond memories, and it’s great to see
I know I’m framing myself as a younger fan here. But, Howson was one of the first players I really got on board with growing up as a Leeds fan.
He helped drag us out of our worst ever period as a club. Then, he deserved his shot in the top flight when he got there with Norwich City. It’s just a shame we never got to see the prime of Howson’s career during our best years. Say, under Marcelo Bielsa, or even now under Farke, he’d have been incredible.
That being said, it’s so good to see him back at his club in a meaningful role. It’s a proper full-circle moment that he’s gone from a bright talent at the club, to being a close mentor to the next generation.
Farke’s not wrong though. The fact that Middlesbrough fans weren’t that happy with his exit suggests he’s still got plenty about him.
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