Howells: Yeovil move was the best thing I could have done

Spending time on loan at Yeovil Town earlier this season could have helped save a Luton Town career that appeared to be done and dusted according to Jake Howells.
Town midfielder Jake Howells is hoping to prolong his Luton stayTown midfielder Jake Howells is hoping to prolong his Luton stay
Town midfielder Jake Howells is hoping to prolong his Luton stay

The club’s longest serving player looked destined to be on his way from Kenilworth Road earlier in the campaign as after requesting a transfer, he found himself frozen out of the squad by previous boss John Still.

Howells went on loan to then struggling Yeovil in September, playing seven times for the Huish Park club, before returning to Luton.

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Once Still left the club in December, Howells was immediately recalled by caretaker boss Andy Awford for the 3-2 win at Exeter City and when Jones took over, he started the new manager’s first nine games before requiring a minor knee operation.

Howells returned ahead of schedule to come off the bench at Oxford, Carlisle and Northampton, before starting Saturday’s 4-1 win over Exeter.

Speaking about the campaign, Howells said: “It’s probably the most learning season I’ve ever had, not the greatest in terms of playing games, but the best thing I think I’ve done in my career, is gone to Yeovil.

“It’s a great club, they looked after me brilliant, but for me to learn so much, how much I do love Luton Town and the fact that it wasn’t home to me. No disrespect to Yeovil, it was brilliant, I loved my time there but this is where I want to be and this is home for me.

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“For me to experience another club was such a big learning curve for me personally and it didn’t feel the same.

“If I wasn’t at Luton, it wouldn’t feel right for me, whether that’s out of choice or not, but it’s in my blood I’m afraid.”

With Howells back in the starting line-up at the weekend for Town’s final game, he hopes it’s a good omen when coming to discussing his future with the boss this week.

He continued: “I’d like to think that, that’s a promising thing. But I had to go out there and do a job for the team and myself.

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“It was nice to end the season with a good performance and I’m happy personally with my performance and I think the team is as well.”

Although Jones has remained tight-lipped on whether Howells will be at the club next season, the 25-year-old believes that everything is set up for a season of success under the Hatters chief next term.

He added: “Next year Luton whether I’m here or not will go close. I think personally that having a young manager, I’ve never had a young manager, not disrespecting any others, but a new ethos of how we play and think he can take the club forward.”

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