Iron welcome Callum Howe as third summer recruit

Scunthorpe United is delighted to announce the signing of defender Callum Howe on a two-year deal effective from July 1st, when his current contract expires at York City.

The experienced centre-back arrives at the Attis Arena with a wealth of National League and EFL experience, adding leadership, quality and defensive resilience to Andy Butler's squad ahead of the new campaign.

Born in Doncaster, the 32-year-old began his career with the Iron’s academy before gaining valuable experience in non-league football with the likes of Bradford Parl Avenue, Frickley Athletic and Gainsborough Trinity, along with stints at Gateshead and Alfreton Town before he signed for Lincoln City in 2015.

He originally signed a one-year deal with Chris Moyses' side, making 31 appearances and thus extending his stay. He would spend the first part of the following campaign on loan at Southport before returning to Sincil Bank to make 13 appearances en route to promotion to the EFL, with the Imps finishing as Champions.

A final year extension with Lincoln would soon see him loaned out, this time to Eastleigh, before he joined Port Vale in January 2018 for an undisclosed fee.

In the summer, he would next move to Harrogate Town, where he became a key figure in their 2018-19 campaign, scoring nine goals in 48 appearances en route to the play-offs where they were beaten by AFC Fylde in the quarter-final stages. He would be voted the Players' Player of the campaign for his troubles.

Another undisclosed fee would follow as he signed a three-year deal at Solihull Moors for what would be a club record sale for the Sulphites. He scored six goals in 45 appearances in his first campaign, being named in the National League Team of the Year. Fast-forward to the end of his contract and Howe was awarded a two-year extension and would end the first year of the campaign by scoring in the 3-1 play-off semi-final win over Chesterfield before they lost to Grimsby Town in the final at the London Stadium.

In his final season at Damson Park, he would be appointed club captain, and added a further three goals in 36 games.

York came calling in the summer of 2023 where he would join for yet another undisclosed fee, playing 42 league games in his debut campaign for the Minstermen. He was named in the National League Team of the Year for the second time in his career in the season which followed, and would play a key part as club captain which saw the side promoted to the EFL last campaign.

Across a career spanning well over 400 senior appearances, Howe has built a reputation for consistency, professionalism and defensive excellence, qualities he now brings back to the club where his footballing journey began. The move also sees Callum link up with his younger brother, Declan Howe, at the Attis Arena, with the pair set to pull on the claret and blue together for the first time in their senior careers.

Known for his commanding presence, aerial ability and organisational qualities, Howe brings valuable experience to the Iron backline as the club continues its preparations for the new season.

Manager Andy Butler said: "Callum is a player we've admired for a long time. 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."

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