Jake Howells
{{short description|British footballer (born 1991)}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Jake Howells
| image = Jake Howells 24-09-11 1.png
| image_size = 250
| caption = Howells playing for Luton Town in 2011
| fullname = Jake Thomas Howells{{cite book |editor-first=Barry J. |editor-last=Hugman |title=The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2009–10 |year=2009 |publisher=Mainstream Publishing |location=Edinburgh |isbn=978-1-84596-474-0 |page=200}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1991|4|18|df=y}}
| birth_place = St Albans, England
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=9}}
| position = Defender / Midfielder
| currentclub = Kings Langley
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = Hemel Hempstead Town
| youthyears2 =
| youthclubs2 = Watford
| youthyears3 = 2007–2008
| youthclubs3 = Luton Town
| years1 = 2008–2016
| clubs1 = Luton Town
| caps1 = 320
| goals1 = 29
| years2 = 2015
| clubs2 = → Yeovil Town (loan)
| caps2 = 6
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2016–2017
| clubs3 = Eastleigh
| caps3 = 14
| goals3 = 1
| years4 = 2017–2018
| clubs4 = Dagenham & Redbridge
| caps4 = 48
| goals4 = 1
| years5 = 2017
| clubs5 = → Ebbsfleet United (loan)
| caps5 = 1
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2018–2019
| clubs6 = Billericay Town
| caps6 = 42
| goals6 = 1
| years7 = 2019–2021
| clubs7 = Hemel Hempstead Town
| caps7 = 39
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2021–
| clubs8 = Kings Langley
| caps8 = 1
| goals8 = 0
| nationalyears1 = 2009–2011
| nationalteam1 = England C
| nationalcaps1 = 4
| nationalgoals1 = 1
| nationalyears2 = 2011–2012
| nationalteam2 = Wales U21
| nationalcaps2 = 5
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| club-update = 22:26, 31 October 2021 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update = 19:03, 22 November 2015 (UTC)
}}
Jake Thomas Howells (born 18 April 1991) is a former professional footballer who played as a defender or a midfielder for Luton Town. He was capped by the England C team four times from 2009 to 2011 and has represented Wales at under-21 level.
Club career
=Luton Town=
Born in St Albans, Hertfordshire, Howells began his youth career at Hemel Hempstead Town, prior to spending time in the youth system at Watford, before signing for rivals Luton Town in July 2007.{{cite book |editor-first=Roger |editor-last=Wash |title=Hatters Heroes |year=2008 |publisher=Roger Wash |isbn=978-0-9560832-0-3 |page=42}} After impressing in the Luton youth team, Howells made his first-team debut as a substitute on the final day of the 2007–08 season in a 1–0 defeat to Huddersfield Town, having turned 17 just three weeks earlier.{{cite web |title=Luton 0–1 Huddersfield |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10372~36721,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C |date=3 May 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218035559/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10372~36721%2C00.html |archivedate=18 February 2012 |url-status=dead}} Soon after, Howells revealed that he had turned down offers to join Premier League clubs Portsmouth and Fulham while in the youth team, and had instead chose to further his career at Luton.{{cite news |title=Jake turned down big guns to stay at Town |url=http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/jake-turned-big-guns-down-to-stay-at-town-1-1029535 |newspaper=Luton Today |date=14 May 2008 |accessdate=5 April 2016}}
Howells became a regular in the first-team during 2008–09, making his first appearance on 4 October 2008 in a 1–1 draw with Bradford City, coming on as a 37th-minute substitute for Sol Davis. He finished the season with 28 league appearances, primarily playing as a left-back and occasionally as a left winger. With the exception of the final, Howells played in every match of Luton's Football League Trophy success, receiving a winner's medal at Wembley Stadium. Howells won the club's Young Player of the Season award following his impressive season and signing his first professional contract with Luton soon after.{{cite news |title=King Keane rules the awards roost |url=http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/king-keane-rules-the-awards-roost-1-1033705 |newspaper=Luton Today |date=28 April 2009 |accessdate=5 April 2016 |archive-date=12 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412012553/http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/king-keane-rules-the-awards-roost-1-1033705 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |title=Hatters hand Howells pro contract |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/8080029.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 June 2009 |accessdate=5 June 2009}}
Howells scored his first senior goal the next season in a 4–3 win away to Cambridge United on 26 September 2009. Following the departure of Mick Harford and the subsequent arrival of new Luton manager Richard Money, Howells was pushed forward from his regular left-back position onto the left wing, scoring five further goals in the process, including two in a 6–3 victory over Histon.{{cite web |title=Luton 6–3 Histon |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8615286.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 April 2010 |accessdate=5 April 2016}} On 25 April 2010, Howells was named as Luton's Young Player of the Season for the second successive season.{{cite web |title=Awards a plenty for Pilks |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2035210,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=26 April 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100429092309/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~2035210%2C00.html |archivedate=29 April 2010 |url-status=dead}}
On 25 November 2010, it was announced that Howells had signed a new two-year contract with Luton.{{cite web |title=Jake Howells rewarded with Luton Town deal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/9228240.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 November 2010 |accessdate=25 November 2010}} With an injury to regular left-back Fred Murray in December 2010, Howells reverted to his original position in defence, helping Luton keep six clean sheets during the month of January.{{cite news |first=James |last=Cunliffe |title=Pilkington praises Howells ahead of Hayes test |url=http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/pilkington-praises-howells-ahead-hayes-test/story-22983050-detail/story.html |newspaper=Bedfordshire on Sunday |location=Bedford |date=3 January 2011 |accessdate=11 September 2016}} After another solid season in a number of positions, including central midfield, Howells again received the Young Player of the Season award and, in doing so, became the second Luton player, after Kevin Foley to win the accolade for three consecutive seasons.{{cite web |title=Two trophies for Tyler |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2351061,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C |date=2 May 2011 |accessdate=5 April 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828105955/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~2351061%2C00.html |archivedate=28 August 2011 |url-status=dead}}
The 2011–12 season saw Howells used primarily at left-back due to injuries to other players; he played in that position in the team that lost 2–1 to York City in the 2012 Conference Premier play-off final at Wembley Stadium in May 2012.{{cite web |first=Phil |last=Maiden |title=Luton Town 1–2 York City |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18049175 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 May 2012 |accessdate=5 April 2016}} The next month saw him sign a new three-year contract and, with the departure of Keith Keane to Preston North End, Howells became the team's current longest serving player at the age of 21, having made 183 appearances by the end of the season.{{cite news |title=Howells pens new Luton deal |url=http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/howells-pens-new-luton-deal/story-22983636-detail/story.html |newspaper=Bedfordshire on Sunday |location=Bedford |date=27 June 2012 |accessdate=7 August 2016}} Moved back into midfield by new Luton manager Paul Buckle in the 2012–13 season, Howells scored his first goal of the campaign within the first 45 seconds of a 4–1 win at home to Macclesfield Town on 1 September 2012.{{cite web |title=Luton 4–1 Macclesfield |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19378163 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 September 2012 |accessdate=3 September 2012}}
Another managerial change saw Buckle replaced by the experienced John Still in February 2013. Howells scored the first goal under Still's reign in a 1–0 win away to Stockport County on 2 March 2013.{{cite web |title=Stockport 0–1 Luton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21556678 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 March 2013 |accessdate=5 December 2013}} As under previous managers, Howells continued to be played in a variety of roles, including on the left side of attack and in the hole behind two strikers. During the 2013–14 season, at the age of 22, Howells made his 250th appearance for Luton on 2 November 2013 in a 0–0 draw with Gateshead.{{cite news |title=Luton Town fan's view: Thank you, Jake Howells |url=http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/luton-town-fans-view-thank-jake-howells/story-21706957-detail/story.html |newspaper=Bedfordshire on Sunday |location=Bedford |date=8 November 2013 |accessdate=15 December 2016}} He became the club's regular penalty-taker, successfully converting six out of six penalties. Howells finished the season with eight league goals in 35 appearances as the club won the Conference Premier title and therefore promotion into League Two.{{cite web |title=Luton Town win Conference Premier and Football League spot |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26978690 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 April 2014 |accessdate=5 April 2016}}
In July 2014, Howells signed a new two-year contract with Luton.{{cite web |title=Luton Town: Jake Howells signs new Hatters deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28468224 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 July 2014 |accessdate=18 October 2014}} On 17 January 2015, Howells made his 300th appearance for the club at the age of 23 in a 1–0 win over Plymouth Argyle.{{cite web |title=Emotional Howells proud of reaching landmark |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/article/jake-howells-on-making-300-appearances-for-luton-town-v-plymouth-2211291.aspx |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=18 January 2015 |accessdate=5 April 2016}} He finished 2014–15 with 41 appearances and five goals as Luton finished in eighth place on their return to the Football League.{{cite web |title=Luton Town 2–0 Stevenage |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32460080 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 May 2015 |accessdate=5 April 2016}} In the summer of 2015, Howells asked to leave the club.{{cite news |first=Mike |last=Simmonds |title=Hatters reject offer for Howells |url=http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/hatters-reject-offer-for-howells-1-6850581 |newspaper=Luton Today |date=15 July 2015 |accessdate=11 September 2016}} On 15 July 2015, Luton manager John Still confirmed that he had turned down an offer for Howells' services from an unnamed club. He was not given a squad number by the club when they were announced five days later.{{cite web |title=Squad numbers submitted to The Football League |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/article/luton-town-squad-numbers-for-2015-2016-2558412.aspx |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=20 July 2015 |accessdate=10 May 2016}}
On 11 September 2015, Howells joined Luton's fellow League Two club Yeovil Town on a one-month loan.{{cite news |first=Mike |last=Simmonds |title=Howells heads to Yeovil for a month |url=http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/howells-heads-to-yeovil-for-a-month-1-6953027 |newspaper=Luton Today |date=11 September 2015 |accessdate=11 September 2016}} He finished his loan spell with seven appearances and returned to Luton on 12 October.{{cite news |first=Mike |last=Simmonds |title=Loan watch: Howells returns to Hatters after Yeovil deal expires |url=http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/loan-watch-howells-returns-to-hatters-after-yeovil-deal-expires-1-7005800 |newspaper=Luton Today |date=12 October 2015 |accessdate=11 September 2016}} Howells was left out of the first-team squad by Still upon his return, but was recalled to the starting lineup by interim manager Andy Awford following Still's sacking in December 2015 and was assigned squad number 40.{{cite web |title=Jake Howells returns to Town squad this weekend |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/article/luton-town-jake-howells-returns-to-squad-at-exeter-2857574.aspx |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=18 December 2015 |accessdate=5 April 2016}} He made his first Luton appearance of 2015–16 in a 3–2 win away to Exeter City on 19 December. Howells admitted he had no complaints over his treatment by Still, stating that "maybe it was the wrong step" to ask to leave the club in the summer.{{cite news |first=Mike |last=Simmonds |title=Howells has no complaints over his treatment by Luton |url=http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/howells-has-no-complaints-over-his-treatment-by-luton-1-7130622 |newspaper=Luton Today |date=21 December 2015 |accessdate=11 September 2016}} Following the appointment of Nathan Jones as Luton manager, Howells' run in the first-team continued, playing in every match under Jones' management until picking up a knee injury, for which he underwent a scan.{{cite news |first=Mike |last=Simmonds |title=Injured Howells to undergo scan |url=http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/injured-howells-to-undergo-scan-1-7258161 |newspaper=Luton Today |date=7 March 2016 |accessdate=11 September 2016}} Shortly after, it was confirmed Howells would require a knee operation, resulting in a spell on the sidelines.{{cite news |first=Mike |last=Simmonds |title=Howells requires operation to cure knee injury |url=http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/howells-requires-operation-to-cure-knee-injury-1-7267402 |newspaper=Luton Today |date=10 March 2016 |accessdate=11 September 2016}} He returned to first-team football as a 94th-minute substitute for Josh McQuoid in a 3–2 win away to Oxford United on 16 April 2016.{{cite web |title=Oxford United 2–3 Luton Town |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36003516 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 April 2016 |accessdate=16 April 2016}} Howells finished the season with 17 appearances, but his contract with Luton was not renewed after 334 appearances and 31 goals since making his first-team debut at the age of 17 in 2008.{{cite web |title=Hatters release list published |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/article/hatters-release-list-published-3106617.aspx |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=10 May 2016 |accessdate=10 May 2016}}{{cite web |title=Luton Town: Jake Howells and Alex Lawless among nine released |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36256981 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=10 May 2016 |accessdate=10 May 2016}}
=Eastleigh=
On 23 May 2016, Howells signed for National League club Eastleigh on a two-year contract.{{cite web |title=Jake Howells: Eastleigh sign Luton midfielder on two-year deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36357819 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 May 2016 |accessdate=23 May 2016}} He made his debut on the opening day of the 2016–17 season in a 2–1 win at home to Guiseley.{{cite news |first=Wendy |last=Gee |title=Eastleigh off to a winning start as Guiseley are beaten 2–1 |url=http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/14666868.Eastleigh_off_to_a_winning_start/ |newspaper=Southern Daily Echo |location=Southampton |date=6 August 2016 |accessdate=4 January 2017}} His first goal for Eastleigh was the team's third goal in a 5–0 win away to Bromley on 29 August. Howells made his final appearance for Eastleigh in a 1–1 draw at home to Swindon Town in the FA Cup on 4 November, in which he suffered a knee injury.{{cite news |first=Wendy |last=Gee |title=Wideman Jake Howells leaves Eastleigh by mutual consent |url=http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/15001956.Wideman_leaves_Eastleigh_by_mutual_consent/ |newspaper=Southern Daily Echo |location=Southampton |date=4 January 2017 |accessdate=4 January 2017}} He left Eastleigh by mutual consent on 4 January 2017 when manager Martin Allen began reshaping the squad.
=Dagenham & Redbridge=
On 20 January 2017, Howells signed a one-and-a-half-year contract with National League club Dagenham & Redbridge.{{cite web |title=Dagenham & Redbridge make double signing of Jake Howells and Jake Sheppard |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38689424 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 January 2017 |accessdate=20 January 2017}} He debuted on 11 February as an 83rd-minute substitute in a 4–1 win away to Southport.{{cite news |first=Ned |last=Keating |title=Southport 1 Dagenham & Redbridge 4: Daggers come from behind to beat Sandgrounders and earn fifth straight win |url=http://www.barkinganddagenhampost.co.uk/sport/football/dagenham-and-redbridge/southport_1_dagenham_redbridge_4_daggers_come_from_behind_to_beat_sandgrounders_and_earn_fifth_straight_win_1_4886540 |newspaper=Barking & Dagenham Post |location=Ilford |date=11 February 2017 |accessdate=11 February 2017}} After three appearances for Dagenham, Howells signed for National League South club Ebbsfleet United on a one-month loan on 16 March 2017, as the club had sustained a number of injuries.{{cite news |title=Ebbsfleet United sign Dagenham and Redbridge's former Luton Town midfielder Jake Howells |url=http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/sport/daggers-utility-man-joins-fleet-122401/ |newspaper=Kent Online |date=16 March 2017 |accessdate=16 March 2017}} He debuted at left-back five days later in an 8–0 victory at home to Bishop's Stortford.{{cite web |first=Ed |last=Miller |title=Fleet 8–0 Bishop's Stortford |url=http://ebbsfleetunited.co.uk/fleet-8-0-bishops-stortford/ |publisher=Ebbsfleet United F.C. |date=21 March 2017 |accessdate=22 March 2017}} Howells completed the loan spell without making any further appearances. He was released by Dagenham at the end of the 2017–18 season after not being offered a new contract.{{cite web |title=First team squad news |url=https://daggers.co.uk/news/-LDLfNRlCQjdpbHgKm0P |publisher=Dagenham & Redbridge F.C. |date=25 May 2018 |accessdate=30 May 2018}}
=Billericay Town=
Howells signed for newly promoted National League South club Billericay Town on 28 June 2018.{{cite web |title=Jake Howells comes to Town |url=https://www.billericaytownfc.co.uk/jake-howells-comes-to-town/ |publisher=Billericay Town F.C. |date=28 June 2018 |accessdate=29 June 2018}}
=Hemel Hempstead Town=
Howells returned to fellow National League South club Hemel Hempstead Town on 29 May 2019.{{cite web |first=Dean |last=Chance |title=See below for the first signing of the evening |url=http://www.hemelfc.com/news/see-below-for-the-first-signing-of-the-evening-2430578.html |publisher=Hemel Hempstead Town F.C. |date=29 May 2019 |accessdate=30 May 2019}} He made his 500th career appearance whilst playing for the club.
=Kings Langley=
In July 2021, he signed for Southern Football League Premier Division South side Kings Langley on a free transfer.{{cite web |first=Mike |last=Simmonds |title=Ex-Hatter Howells moves to Kings Langley as former Town defender Galloway joins Plymouth |url=https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/ex-hatter-howells-moves-to-kings-langley-as-former-town-defender-galloway-joins-plymouth-3317527 |publisher=Luton Today |date=21 July 2021 |accessdate=31 October 2021}}
=Berkhamsted FC=
In early July 2022, Howells was signed for Berkhamsted Football Club by Manager, Chris Devane.
International career
Howells is eligible to play for England by birth, and also qualifies for Wales through one of his grandfathers. Wales enquired about picking Howells for their under-21 team towards the end of the 2008–09 season,{{cite news |title=Young Howells is on Wales' wish list |url=http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/young-howells-is-on-wales-wish-list-1-1034138 |newspaper=Luton Today |date=2 June 2009 |accessdate=5 June 2009}} but on 30 October 2009 he was named in the England C squad for the match against the Poland U23 team.{{cite web |title=C squad named |url=http://www.thefa.com/England/EnglandCTeam/NewsAndFeatures/2009/poland_squad_announced_291009.aspx |publisher=The Football Association |date=29 October 2009 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130203214820/http://www.thefa.com/England/EnglandCTeam/NewsAndFeatures/2009/poland_squad_announced_291009.aspx |archivedate=3 February 2013 |url-status=dead}} He earned his first cap in a 2–1 victory.{{cite web |title=Fine win for England C |url=http://thefa.com/England/EnglandCTeam/NewsAndFeatures/2009/poland_181109.aspx |publisher=The Football Association |date=18 November 2009 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130104211730/http://thefa.com/England/EnglandCTeam/NewsAndFeatures/2009/poland_181109.aspx |archivedate=4 January 2013 |url-status=dead}} Howells scored his first goal for England C in a 1–0 victory over Estonia in the International Challenge Trophy on 12 October 2010.{{cite web |first=Mike |last=Appleby |title=England C into ICT semis |url=http://www.thefa.com/England/england-c/News/2010/Estonia121010 |publisher=The Football Association |date=12 October 2010 |archiveurl=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20120502192454/http://www.thefa.com/England/england-c/News/2010/Estonia121010 |archivedate=2 May 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=13 October 2010 }}
On 27 July 2011, Howells was called up to the Wales U21 squad to face Hungary in a friendly match.{{cite news |first=Mark |last=Wood |title=Howells chuffed by Wales U21 call |url=http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/howells-chuffed-by-wales-u21-call-1-2906940 |newspaper=Luton Today |date=28 July 2011 |accessdate=11 September 2016}} He said "I'm really proud to be called up and hope to do well when I play." He made his debut as Wales U21 lost 2–1 on 10 August.{{cite web |title=Wales U21 1–2 Hungary U21 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14480633 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=10 August 2011 |accessdate=5 April 2016}} He made four further appearances during the 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification campaign, playing in victories over Montenegro{{cite web |title=Wales U21 1–0 Montenegro U21 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15087341 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 October 2011 |accessdate=5 April 2016}} and Andorra,{{cite web |title=Uefa under-21 qualifier: Wales U21 4–0 Andorra U21 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17129511 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=29 February 2012 |accessdate=5 April 2016}} and defeats to the Czech Republic{{cite web |title=Wales U21 0–1 Czech Republic U21 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15247729 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 October 2011 |accessdate=5 April 2016}} and Armenia as Wales U21 failed to qualify.{{cite web |title=Wales U21 0–1 Armenia U21 |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/wales-u21-vs-armenia-u21/246466 |publisher=Sky Sports |date=15 August 2012 |accessdate=5 April 2016}}
Career statistics
{{updated|match played 19 January 2021}}
{{notelist}}
Honours
=Club=
Luton Town
=Individual=
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Howells, Jake}}
Category:Footballers from St Albans
Category:English men's footballers
Category:England men's semi-pro international footballers
Category:Welsh men's footballers
Category:Wales men's under-21 international footballers
Category:Men's association football defenders
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Hemel Hempstead Town F.C. players
Category:Luton Town F.C. players
Category:Yeovil Town F.C. players
Category:Eastleigh F.C. players
Category:Dagenham & Redbridge F.C. players
Category:Ebbsfleet United F.C. players
Category:Billericay Town F.C. players
Category:Kings Langley F.C. players
Category:English Football League players