Career
He later appeared for several non-league clubs. A product of Chester"s youth policy, Howat made his Chester debut as a substitute in a Football League Third Division fixture against Mansfield Town on 16 October 1976. In his time at the club, Howat had spells playing in attack alongside fellow forwards including Paul Crossley, Ian Edwards, Ian Mellor, Peter Henderson, Ian Rush and Trevor Phillips without establishing himself as a first-team regular.
In February 1982 Howat moved to Crewe Alexandra, but left the club at the end of the season.
This marked the end of his Football League career and Howat joined in the Alliance Premier League. His spell with Bangor included an appearance at Wembley Stadium in May 1984 in the FA Trophy final against Northwich Victoria.
A cartlidge operation the following season ruled Howat out of action for a couple of years, but he subsequently returned to play for Welsh non-league sides Oswestry Town, (second spell), Caernarfon Town, Newtown, Holywell Town and Llansantffraid.