Declan Howe

Declan Howe joined Scunthorpe United ahead of the 2025-26 season following two prolific, record-breaking campaigns with Gainsborough Trinity.

The striker arrived at the Attis Arena after establishing himself as one of the most feared goalscorers in non-league football. Across his final two seasons at the Northolme, Howe scored an outstanding 67 goals in all competitions, helping the Holy Blues compete at the top end of the Northern Premier League while also enjoying memorable cup runs.

His remarkable 2024-25 campaign saw him finish amongst the leading goalscorers in both the Northern Premier League and Emirates FA Cup, while he also topped the goalscoring charts in the Isuzu FA Trophy with six goals as Gainsborough reached the last 16 of the competition.

Howe's journey to the Iron has been one of perseverance and determination. Having progressed through Scunthorpe United's academy system as a youngster, he was released before forging a successful career in non-league football. Spells with Staveley Miners Welfare and Cleethorpes Town saw him develop into a prolific goalscorer, earning a move to National League North side Darlington. A subsequent spell at Alfreton Town followed before Howe linked up with former Iron manager Russ Wilcox at Gainsborough Trinity, where his goalscoring exploits attracted widespread attention and eventually paved the way for a return to the Attis Arena.

Making the step into full-time football, Howe quickly adapted to the demands of National League football during the 2025-26 campaign. His relentless work rate, intelligent movement and natural eye for goal made him a valuable asset to Andy Butler's squad, while his determination to prove himself at a higher level was evident particularly in the early part of the season, netting a number of goals.

Having found himself out of the team and struggling for minutes, Howe went on loan to fellow National League side Altrincham where he rediscovered his goalscoring habits, thus being recalled to the Attis Arena and scoring the winner on his first return, away at FC Halifax Town, ironically on his birthday. Howe would then play his part in the remainder of the season, scoring in the play-off semi-final at Rochdale, ultimately where the side’s season came to an end.