Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, lifts the Carabao Cup Trophy
Eddie Howe has been honoured with the Freedom of Hoults Yard after he led Newcastle United to Carabao Cup glory, the club's first domestic trophy in 70 years.
The NUFC manager has been awarded the accolade by Newcastle's prestigious business village, which changed its name to Howes Yard this week in a tribute to the honorary Geordie.
Charlie Hoult, Managing Director at HyHubs which runs the Yard, explained: "As one Newcastle institution we wanted to recognise the fantastic success of another.
"After 70 years of waiting for a trophy, the city wants to celebrate, and we want to party too. We’ve temporarily changed our name in recognition of Eddie and the team’s achievements, and we’ll remain Howes Yard until after the open-top parade at the weekend.
"We have more than a hundred companies based on the Yard and the majority of the 800+ people who work here are Newcastle daft, so our name change and conferring the honour of Freedom of the Yard on Eddie have gone down very well with our lovely tenants.
Hoults Yard in Newcastle, which has temporarily changed its name to Howes Yard (Image: HyHubs)
"Eddie won’t be able to graze his sheep at the Yard, but the honour of being a Yard Freeman means he can pop in anytime for a pint, a doughnut, a pizza, or a coffee and cake. And if he wants to bring a player or two, then that will be fine too."
Eddie Howe has also been nominated to become a Freeman of Newcastle, and this is expected to be confirmed later in the year. The greatest names in Newcastle United's storied history have been awarded the honour, including Sir Bobby Robson, Alan Shearer and Jackie Milburn.
Charlie added: "Freedom of the Yard is the highest honour we can give Eddie.
"Hoults Yard used to be the site for Europe’s biggest pottery factory; we were then home to one of the region's biggest furniture removal companies before becoming a prestigious and unique business centre.
"We’ve been here long over 100 years and we fervently hope we don’t have to wait another 70 years before celebrating more silverware."
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