Bobby Howe

Robert John Howe (born 22 December 1945) is an English former professional footballer who played as a left-back or midfielder.

Playing career Howe played for West Ham United youth system before progressing through their ranks and appearing in the first team at the age of 21 in 1966. He played at Upton Park until 1971 when he switched to A.F.C. Bournemouth. He played there until his retirement from league football in 1973.

Howe came out of retirement in 1977 to become the player-coach of the Seattle Sounders in the NASL where he played until 1983.

Coaching career After his playing days were over, Howe become the coach of the United States U-20 men's national soccer team at the 1993 FIFA World Youth Championship and later went on to become the coach of the Portland Timbers from 2001 to 2005. Howe was also in charge of the "Education of Coaches " for the US Soccer Federation. He wrote the preface for " The official playing and coaching manual of the United States Soccer Federation". Howe also had a short stint with the Saint Kitts and Nevis national football team towards the end of 2012 in a consultancy role.

After managing the Portland Timbers, Howe became the Director of Coaching for Emerald City FC youth soccer club in Seattle, Washington. He has served in this role for 11 years. In January 2016, Howe was the 2016 recipient of the "Dr. Thomas Fleck, US Youth Soccer Excellence in Coaching" award.

Honours

As a player West Ham FA Youth Cup: 1963 Football League Cup runner-up: 1966

Seattle Sounders NASL National Conference: 1977 NASL Western Division: 1980, 1982 Trans-Atlantic Challenge Cup: 1981 Europac Cup: 1982 Soccer Bowl runner-up: 1977, 1982

As a manager Portland Timbers Commissioner's Cup: 2004