HIS move from Oakwell to Bramall Lane provoked more controversy than an episode of Strictly Come Dancing.
But rather than get drawn into an ugly tit-for-tat with his former employers, Brian Howard, the Sheffield United, midfielder, wants to let his football do the talking.
Starting tomorrow at The Valley.
"I'm still nowhere near my best," he admitted yesterday.
"But hopefully I'm going to get better and better with every game.
"I normally like to get into or be around double figures in terms of goals and so I'll be looking to get off the mark here as quickly as possible.
"I like to work hard because you get nothing without that, but my biggest attribute is getting on the ball and hopefully taking the game by the scruff of the neck.
"As the lads here start to get to know me more and I get to know the runs they like to make better, then it should all start falling into place."
Howard's protracted transfer to United was finally completed last month and although he is presently on loan he is scheduled to put pen to paper on a permanent deal in January.
The road from Barnsley to Kevin Blackwell's side was far from smooth but, speaking to the press for the first time since switching allegiances, he is clearly relishing the challenges which lie ahead.
"I've settled in really well. It helped that I didn't have to move house, and all of the lads have made me really welcome," he said.
"I already knew quite a few of them before I came here and that can only be a good thing.
"The transition hasn't been difficult at all."
Howard, one of the heroes of Barnsley's march into the FA Cup semi-finals last term, has made no secret of his desire to pit his wits against Premiership opposition on a regular basis.
And he believes that United's squad is equipped to help him fulfil that ambition.
"Obviously it takes a little bit of time, though, to settle in properly," Howard added.
"We've had a few new lads come in, myself and Anthony Stokes, and so it will take a little bit of time for things to slip properly into place.
"The lads at the back have been absolutely exceptional and so, if we can get just a few little things right in the final third, then I reckon someone is going to be on the end of a hiding."
What do you think? Post your comments below. READ MORE Blades Watch 08-09 - The Season So FarOwls Watch 08-09 - The Season So FarWatch Premiership highlights, international football, golf, tennis, darts and much moreFootball headlinesMore BladesMore OwlsMore SpireitesMore RoversMore RedsMore MillersMore Ice HockeyMore rugby leagueMore rugby unionMore boxingSports columnistsAll sport categoriesEngland under-21 international Kyle Naughton colour posterThe full article contains 494 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
