Howard signs for Aberystwyth after Newport Friendly

Former Llanelli left-back Michael Howard featured for Aberystwyth Town on Saturday in their pre-season friendly against Newport County and the 31 year old has now signed for the Seasiders.

Aber boss Alan Morgan started the match with Howard at left-back along with new signings Craig Williams and Conall Murtagh with Michael Howard and striker Josh McAuley - a former Tranmere youngster - also featuring in a new look line up at Park Avenue.

Howard was released by the Reds last month, having only joined Llanelli in July 2009. He was named in Andy Legg's Europa League squad which lost to Motherwell, making his debut in the away leg in Scotland. The left-back was born in Birkenhead and initially started his career with Liverpool before he was signed as a trainee by Tranmere Rovers. It was at Swansea City though, where he made his most football League appearances, featuring 229 times, scoring just twice between 1998 and 2004.

He was then signed by Jim Harvey for Morecambe from the Swans at the start of the 2004/05 season and played 95 times for the club. His consistent performances at left-back saw him win the 'Junior Red of the Year' award at the end of the 2005/06 season. This award was voted for by members of the Morecambe Junior Reds Supporters' Club.

In January 2008, Howard joined Oxford United on a short-term loan deal and he was released by Morecambe in May 2009 and subsequently joined Llanelli, making just 15 (+2) appearances in an injury-plagued season.

On the weekend, Dean Holdsworth's Blue Square Conference side won the match 3-1 with goals from Wales semi-professional international Chris Todd, former Port Talbot Town striker Chad Bond and Sam Foley, whilst Aber striker Graham Evans scored from the spot for the hosts.