 Parker would be sent out on loan to Carlisle United shortly after and Simon Grayson, who had initially defended the sale, was sacked after criticising the club's lack of investment after a 1–4 defeat to Birmingham City on the January transfer deadline day.In total, Howson made 225 appearances for the club and scored 28 goals.On 18 January 2012, Leeds reported that they had "reluctantly accepted" a bid from Norwich City for Howson.