Wow. Just wow. Eddie Howe is about to be immortalised in the heart of Newcastle. After guiding the Magpies to their first major domestic trophy in 70 years lifting the Carabao Cup with a historic 2-1 win over Liverpool at Wembley the man who brought silverware back to Tyneside is set to be awarded the freedom of the city.
Think about it. Howe joins absolute icons like Alan Shearer, Sir Bobby Robson, and Jackie Milburn. His name will soon be etched into the hallowed walls of the civic centre’s legendary banqueting hall the same place where the city honours its greatest sons.
But it’s not just about a scroll and a handshake. Howe will literally swear an oath to defend Newcastle, musket and bible in hand, and even hand over a pre-1910 silver coin to the Lord Mayor.
And yes technically, this means he can graze cattle on the Town Moor (just like the Freemen of old), a slice of medieval history that Newcastle fiercely protects to this day.
There’s more this honour pulls him into a fascinating position. With the club’s Saudi owners eyeing Leazes Park (part of the Town Moor) for a potential new stadium, Howe now becomes part of the ancient guardianship of that very land. Talk about plot twists!
Council leader Karen Kilgour nailed it: “He will be forever a hero to our city.”
From Bournemouth underdog to Newcastle royalty. Eddie Howe, you’ve done the Geordie nation proud.
And in another proud local twist Dan Burn, Blyth’s own warrior and scorer of that crucial opening goal at Wembley is set to be awarded the freedom of Northumberland.
