He made 39 league and cup appearances in the 2005-06 season as Preston reached the Championship play-offs semi-final.
He was a regular starter for the rest of the season as the club reached the Championship play-offs.
At Derby County, he captained the club to promotion via the Championship play-offs in 2007.
Howard scored a total of 5 league goals in 35 matches as Leicester qualified for the Championship play-offs.
Only seven of the 20 teams who have been promoted from the Championship play-offs have survived the following season.
Derby reached the Championship play-offs in Smith's first season at Pride Park.
Berner was issued the number 15 shirt for the 2009-10 season, with an aim to reach the Championship play-offs.
In the Championship, the teams finishing third, fourth, fifth and sixth are entered for the Championship play-offs.
The top four teams qualify for the Championship play-offs.
They won the Championship play-offs at the end of the 2005-2006 season, which meant they were playing in the Premier League for 2006-2007.