Career
He began his career at Chelsea where he failed to make a first-team appearance. Born in West Ham, London, Howlett signed for Chelsea as a youth, prior to signing for Southend United. He made a further 15 league appearances for the U"son
On 18 April 1970, Howlett was to play his last professional game, after coming on as a 72nd-minute substitute for Ray Whittaker, he suffered a career-ending broken leg in a challenge with Peter Gelson in the 88th munute of a 2–0 away defeat to Brentford.
He was forced to retire on medical grounds after this injury.
