Newcastle United Howey started his career with
Newcastle United signing a professional contract on 11 December 1989. At first he was playing in the
striker position for the
youth and reserve teams until
Ossie Ardiles conceived the idea of moving him from the attack back into the
defence. His debut came in a 4–0 defeat to
Charlton Athletic setting the tone for a disappointing
season which saw Man City relegated. Howey remained at Man City
the following season as part of the team which secured an immediate return to the Premier League as First Division champions. One
last season at Man City saw Howey contribute to a top half finish and comfortable survival. In his three seasons with Man City Howey scored 11 goals. A highlight of his time at Manchester City was scoring a late equaliser against
rivals Manchester United at
Old Trafford, in a game more remembered for the clash between
Roy Keane and
Alf-Inge Haaland. Having made only three appearances for the club from the
Reebok Stadium, he was released. On 26 August 2004, Howey signed with
Steve Nicol's
New England Revolution in
Major League Soccer as a "Senior International." He started the next two consecutive matches for the Revolution but would make no further appearances for the club. In March 2005, Howey signed with
League One side
Hartlepool United on a short-term contract,{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hartlepool_united/4375461.stm |title=Cooper signs duo for Hartlepool == International career ==