Howells left emotional after reaching milestone

The 23-year-old beat Ricky Hill’s record by over a year during the 1-0 win at Plymouth, as speaking afterwards, he said: “It’s a weird feeling. It was quite emotional to be honest with you as when I made my debut against Huddersfield, I never thought I would play this many games.

“At the age of 23 it’s unbelievable. I’m just proud of myself, proud of the fans, the players, everyone that’s backed me.

“All the managers who have played me all those games and Im just proud for everyone.”

Manager John Still was full of praise for Howells, who made his debut against Huddersfield back in 2008, as he added: “We gave him a round of applause before the game and to play 300 games, at 23-years-old, that’s incredible, it really is.

“When you look at it. To play 300 games, that’s like someone playing for 10 years, 30 games a season which is a great return.

“It takes you 10 years to do that sometimes, so he must have started playing when he was nine!

“But what pleases me for Jake, he’s seen some bad times and is seeing some up times now. We’re all quite proud of what he’s achieved.”

Howells, who has scored 30 goals for Hatters, is now 22nd in the list of all-time Luton Town appearances.

Full list: 625, Fred Hawkes; 562, Robert Morton; 508, Ricky Hill; 496, Brian Stein; 488, Mal Donaghy; 450, Gordon Turner; 439, Marvin Johnson; 434, Ron Baynham; 423, Syd Owen; 410, Robert Hawkes; 395, David Preece; 357, Matthew Spring; 341, Mitchell Thomas; 335, Julian James; 335, Andy Rennie; 326, Seamus Dunne; 317, Alan West; 314, John Ryan; 312, Alan Slough; 306, John Moore; 304, Fred White; 300, Jake Howells.

For the full story, see the Luton News/Dunstable Gazette on sale this Wednesday, while for all the latest Luton Town FC news, visit our Hatters Microsite.