 He contributed to the club reaching the play-offs, and scored in the semifinal against Preston North End, but was "largely anonymous" in the final as United lost 1–0 to Burnley.Howard began the 2009–10 season in Sheffield United's starting eleven, but on 2 September 2009, he signed for Championship rivals Reading on a three-year contract for a fee of £500,000; James Harper went the other way on loan.He scored his first goal for the club on 20 October against Queens Park Rangers, a late consolation with Reading already 4–0 down.