Career
Born in Glanford he also had two spells at Gainsborough Trinity. Howlett started his career in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire but was living in Grenoside near Sheffield when placed adverts in the local press announcing the formation of the club and asking for players. Responding to the appeal he was selected as the side"s first goalkeeper and remained with the club for five seasons.
Howlett had poor eyesight and needed to wear glasses during games and as a consequence tried to avoid being charged by opposition players, often punching away shots instead of catching them, including shots along the ground.
Despite this Howlett remained first choice keeper for the club"s first three seasons but shared goalkeeping duties with Will Lilley for the following two. Following his departure from Bramall Lane Howlett returned to his previous club Gainsborough Trinity where he played for another nine seasons before retiring.