The 26 year-old left wing-back, who can also push forward to play in the left-wing position has signed after a trial period at the Diamonds during pre-season, having impressed whilst playing in the recent games against Nottingham Forest, Ipswich and Luton Town.

Dean started his career at Notts County, later moving to Crewe Alexandra. Appearances were hard to come by at Meadow Lane and the Alexandra Stadium, with regular football coming after a move to the Conference, where Howell played for Southport, making 54 appearances and scoring 4 goals.

After leaving Southport, Howell went on to Morecambe, and later Halifax Town, with a brief spell at Colchester followed by a return to Halifax. Howell played under Garry Hill during his spell at Weymouth, leaving for Grays Athletic in January 2007.

Dean Howell heads in Rushden & Diamonds's 3rd Kit at Woking