Newcastle Council leader Cllr Karen Kilgour has put Howe forward for the city’s highest honour after he became the first manager in 70 years to guide the Magpies to domestic silverware beating Liverpool in Sunday’s (March 16) final.
He will join other club heroes including Alan Shearer, Sir Bobby Robson in receiving the recognition if approved, and it comes a day after Dan Burn was teed up for the Freedom of Northumberland having Newcastle ahead with a header just before half time.
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.
Cllr Karen Kilgour with NUFC boss Eddie Howe.Cllr Karen Kilgour with NUFC boss Eddie Howe. (Image: STEVE BROCK) “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 honour, the highest the council can bestow on an individual has to be approved at a full council meeting and Howe’s name will be carved into the walls of the Civic Centre Banqueting Hall.
Speaking after the game the Newcastle boss said: “[It’s] a great moment and that’s what it’s all about. It’s about embracing the success.
“You have so many difficult days in football – and this club has had its fair share over the years – so just try to enjoy the moment and take it all in.
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“Hopefully one can become more – there’s no guarantee, though – but I just think it proves we can do it.
“I’ve never had any doubts about our ability to lift our game but you don’t get many shots at this, you don’t get many shots at a cup final, and today we had to try to take our opportunity. That’s where the players delivered under pressure so well and so impressively.
“It also proved that we can mix our game against the very, very best. Now the challenge for us is to try to get there more often, as in lifting our game like we did today.”