 Leeds held on to their 2–1 lead and secured the runners' up spot; earning promotion back to the Championship in doing so.Howson remained an integral part of the first team as Leeds returned to the Championship.He started on the opening day of the season versus Derby County and provided an assist for Luciano Becchio to equalise early on in the game but he was unable to prevent the Whites from losing their first opening day fixture since 1989 as the Rams secured a surprise 2–1 away win.