Howard was previously at Newcastle United, brought in (with a whole host of other boffins) by Sam Allardyce.
As computers clicked and buzzed, telling us Toon fans how well the diets, preparation, fitness and heart beats of the players were improving ... perhaps Big Sam should have concentrated on the football.
Rovers Take Toon Man!
"Mark is someone that has been known to the club and Paul has talked to him and is very happy with him," said Rovers chairman John Williams.
Ahh well ... so long as everyone is happy.