NEWPORT County boss Jimmy Dack believes Rene Howe’s departure from the club provides perspective on the fact that football is just a game, writes Michael Pearlman.

Despite the famous Bill Shankly quote about football being more important, Dack paid tribute to striker Howe, who has left Rodney Parade in order to spend time looking after his family.

Howe’s wife is seriously ill and Rene will now focus on caring for her and his young son Josh.

“Rene’s situation puts football into perspective for all of us,” Dack commented.

“We all love football, we all want to win games, but family comes first, that’s the most important thing and without them, you haven’t got much else.

“I think Rene’s situation was a no-brainer, he needed to put his energy and time into his family and he will be back somewhere else looking to ply his trade for next season.

“The club and all of us decided he couldn’t give us his all anymore, he needs to put more time and energy into supporting his wife.

“All parties felt this was best, it’s been a tough few months for him, coinciding with the fact he’s never really got going at this football club.

“He wanted to show everyone what he was all about, he had a great pre-season for him, but the injury put him out three months and he just hasn’t got going.

“It happens sometimes.”

Dack admits Howe, who scored three goals in 30 appearances, never lived up to his potential at Rodney Parade.

“We speak to people regarding him and we knew him before he came here, Justin worked with him at Rushden,” he said.

“You don’t get to Burton Albion by being a bad player and his record in League Two is good.

“But you don’t get them all right and players lose form and it is just one of those things.

“He’s not a bad lad and he’ll be missed, but we have to move on now.”