Eddie Howe nominated to receive Freedom of Newcastle
The Leader of Newcastle City Council has put the wheels in motion to confer the city’s highest honour on Eddie Howe.
The Leader of Newcastle City Council has put the wheels in motion to confer the city’s highest honour on Eddie Howe.
Cllr Karen Kilgour has submitted a nomination to bestow Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup-winning manager with the Freedom of the City.
Eddie Howe, who was appointed manager of Newcastle United in November 2021, oversaw the club’s first domestic trophy success in 70 years when his side beat Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday 16 March.
Cllr Kilgour said: “What Eddie has achieved during his time at Newcastle United is nothing short of extraordinary and I’m delighted to nominate him for Freedom of the City.
“Newcastle United is part of the fabric of our city with the fortunes of the club playing a huge part in the lives of supporters in Newcastle and across the world, myself included.
“Generations of supporters have never seen their beloved club lift a domestic trophy, and under his leadership we all now have treasured memories of a truly unforgettable day.
“More than winning the Carabao Cup, he steadied the ship following his arrival and steered Newcastle towards a brighter future. The disappointment of 2023’s final didn’t fester, it simply galvanised him and his team, the players, and supporters to push to go further.
“Throughout his tenure he has handled himself with grace and dignity, being modest in success and measured in the face of any challenges.
“He will forever be a hero to our city and I’m incredibly proud to do my bit to recognise his accomplishments.”
Nominations for Freedom of the City are subject to the ratification of members at a full council meeting.
Should his nomination be approved, Eddie would join other notable Newcastle United figures in the receiving the recognition, including Alan Shearer, Sir Bobby Robson and Shaka Hislop.
The club itself was awarded the Freedom of the City in the 1990s after celebrating its centenary year.
The Honorary Freeman status is the highest honour the council can bestow on an eminent individual or group. The names of all honorary freemen are carved into the walls of the Banqueting Hall in the Civic Centre.