The Sunderland born striker-turned defender actually made his name at Newcastle United, coming through the youth ranks and being a key part of the Toon team that finished runners-up in the Premiership in 1996 and 1997, forming a strong central defensive partnership with Nikos Dabizas.
His performances actually earned him some caps with England, but he never became a regular for his country. When Kevin Keegan, his manager at Newcastle, moved to Manchester City he took Howey with him and he helped City to promotion back to the top-flight.
A move to the Foxes came in June 2003 when Micky Adams added the defender to his ranks as Leicester tried to build a team capable of cutting it in the Premiership following promotion. He came on a year contract but lasted just half of that before Adams transfer listed the defender, reportedly because of a rift and after Howey had made just 13 top-flight appearances in the blue and white.
Bolton Wanderers came in for his services but his stay at the Reebok Stadium was also short-lived before Howey tried his hand across the pond with New England Revolution. He stayed in the States for over a year before returning for trials with Oldham Athletic in his twilight years and then securing a move to Hartlepool United before starting his coaching career with Bishop Auckland.