Eddie Howe to be bestowed with huge honour after leading Newcastle United to first domestic trophy in 70 years

Quite where Eddie Howe ranks amongst Newcastle United's greatest managers of recent times is entirely subjective, with greats like Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson holding huge places in Geordie hearts.

We dare be that Eddie Howe would be on the Mount Rushmore of Newcastle gaffers alongside those two, I'd be curious to know who'd take the fourth place.

Eddie Howe has now done what Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson didn't, and delivered a major trophy for the club, which is now to be recognised by the City of Newcastle.

It's probably a bit soon to be talking about an Eddie Howe statue, but if he continues to take this club forward, who knows?

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Rather than being immortalised in bronze, the Newcastle gaffer is being nominated for the Freedom of Newcastle by Newcastle City Council, as reported by The Chronicle.

Councillor Karen Kilgour has nominated Eddie Howe for the Freedom of Newcastle and made a passionate case for the Gaffer.

“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.”

The report also says that Big Dan Burn will be handed the Freedom of Northumberland after his towering header sent Newcastle on their way to Carabao Cup glory on Sunday.

Other people who have been handed the freedom of Newcastle include former Magpies keeper Shaka Hislop and ex-chairman Freddie Shepherd and of course, Alan Shearer.

Newcastle United were also handed the Honourary Freedom of Newcastle to mark their centenary. Greggs PLC also make the eclectic list.