[Newcastle United](http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/newcastle) head coach Eddie Howe has returned to hospital to thank staff who treated him during a recent bout of pneumonia which saw him sidelined from his job.
In an emotional video released by the Premier League, Howe speaks to staff at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where he was hospitalised with pneumonia in April.
The diagnosis saw the coach sidelined for three matches, with Jason Tindall taking over first team duties in his absence - the coaching group were nominated for manager of the month after high-scoring wins against Manchester United and Crystal Palace.
"I'd just really like to thank everyone who looked after me," he said.
"I think that I've been wanting to do that from the moment I left, not just for me, but on behalf of all the general public that come in and all the people they do see."
Howe's trip to the RVI saw him meet nursing staff who looked after him during his time in hospital last month. He even met a season-ticket-holding doctor who admitted he was 'anxious' treating the Newcastle gaffer.
After hugs and well-wishes - including to a nurse who was tending to him 'in the middle of the night', Howe then went into a room where he video called one member of staff to offer her a gift.
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His consultant during his time, Charlotte, is a Burnley fan and Howe but was on holiday when Howe visited.
The 47-year-old presented her with a Burnley shirt and invited the consultant to be a guest of the club at the Magpies' league fixture against the Clarets next season.
Newcastle are chasing second place in the Premier League and know that winning both their remaining games against Arsenal and Everton will see the club secure their highest league finish since 1997.