Charlie Howlett

Charles 'Charlie' Howlett was an English footballer who played for Sheffield United as a goalkeeper in The Football League, with whom he made over 100 competitive appearances. Born in Glanford he also had two spells at Gainsborough Trinity.

Playing career

Howlett started his career in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire but was living in Grenoside near Sheffield when Sheffield United 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. He appeared in the club's first ever game against Notts Rangers and in their debut FA Cup campaign which saw both the teams biggest ever victory and heaviest ever defeat in the competition, a 13-0 defeat at the hands of Bolton Wanderers.

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. During the FA Cup game against Bolton it was reported that he had spent most of the game searching for his glasses in the muddy goalmouth.

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.

Honours

Sheffield United

• Football League Division Two
  • Runner-up: 1892–93

Personal life

After retiring from playing Howlett settled in Birmingham before returning to live in Gainsborough following the death of his wife.