Eddie Howe is in line to receive the Freedom of the City after winning Newcastle United their first domestic trophy in 70 years. The wheels are set in motion by Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, to bestow the city's greatest honour upon Howe following the enthralling Carabao Cup victory against Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday. Councillor 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."
Howe's nomination now awaits approval at a full council meeting. If approved, Howe would join the ranks of other notable Newcastle United figures who have received this recognition, including Alan Shearer, the late Sir Bobby Robson and former goalkeeper Shaka Hislop for his work against racism.
The club itself was granted the Freedom of the City in the 1990s after marking its centenary year. The Honorary Freeman status is the highest honour that the council can award to a distinguished individual or group.
Other recipients of this honour include Nelson Mandela, Jonny Wilkinson, Brendan Foster and the Greggs bakery chain.
Newcastle last clinched the FA Cup in 1955 and it has been 56 years since their victory in Europe, winning the Inter Cities Fairs Cup.
The 32 year old's superb header put United ahead in the final against Liverpool, before Alexander Isak's second-half goal proved decisive as Eddie Howe's team ended the club's 70-year wait for a domestic trophy.
In other news, Dan Burn, who netted the Magpies' first goal, is set to receive the Freedom of Northumberland.
Born in Ashington and raised in Blyth, the towering defender was named Player of the Match and has joined the England squad for the first time at the age of 32.
Cllr Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, expressed his pride and admiration, saying: "It's a great victory for the region and the fact a local lad from Blyth played such a crucial part in this journey is wonderful.
"As a season ticket holder for over 30 years, I'm extremely proud, not only of this achievement but that someone from our county has been a part of it.
"I'm sure it's a dream come true for Dan, who's also had his first England call-up, and I believe this will inspire our young people to achieve their dreams. I intend to nominate Dan for the highest honour we can bestow; the Freedom of Northumberland."