April 6, 1898
It will no doubt come as a surprise to most folks to know that Rab Howell, who has for years been a prominent member of the United team, has severed his connection with the Sheffield club, negotiations last night being completed for his transfer to Liverpool.
Rab Howell, as he was more familiarly known, has, during the time he has been in the service of the Bramall Lane Club, rendered excellent service, and up to a few weeks ago was one of the trio of famous half backs who were looked upon as the best line in the country. Since then, however, he has been superseded by Johnson.
It is a significant fact in connection with Howell’s career in the football world that all the honours he has gained have been with United, and, indeed, since the club unearthed him at Ecclesfield he has been with them. He is an international, having been capped in the match against Ireland, at Derby, in the season of 1894-5.
(Source: Lichfield Mercury: April 7, 1898)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 