Mark Howard Announces Retirement
March 23, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
OKC Energy FC News Release
OKC Energy FC Defender Mark Howard
(OKC Energy FC)
OKLAHOMA CITY - OKC Energy FC defender Mark Howard has announced his retirement from soccer and will join the club as an assistant coach. Howard's professional career spanned 13 years in the United States, Denmark and his native country England.
"I have loved every minute and experience of playing professional soccer," Howard said. "I'm proud of what I've achieved and the great people I've had the pleasure of meeting and playing with. It was a tough decision, but I had to listen to my body and doctor's advice to make a sensible decision."
Howard moves into an assistant coaching role after playing on the back line for Energy FC in 2014. Howard played for AGF of the Danish Superliga before moving to the United States. He also played for Manchester United's junior and reserve teams before transferring to the Danish Superliga's Brondby IF in 2006. He played three seasons in Brondby before making his move to AGF in 2009.
"Mark has been fantastic on and off the field with his great experience and leadership," said Energy FC Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen. "It's a big loss for our team but a great addition to our coaching staff."
Howard began his career at Manchester United, and made a name for himself in the Danish Superliga, being the youngest foreign player to receive the player of the year award for Brondby in 2007 and winning accolades such as the Danish Cup and the Royal League Cup.
"The opportunity to stay on as an assistant coach made a tough decision a lot easier," Howard added. "I'm happy this transition means I get to be around the players, work with Jimmy and be a part of Energy FC's future. I'm excited for this challenge and starting this new chapter of my life."
Howard is a native of Manchester, England. He and his wife, Faye, have one daughter, Aribella.
Images from this story
 OKC Energy FC Defender Mark Howard |
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