28-05-2025
Eddie Howe granted Newcastle's highest honour in recognition of Carabao Cup win
Newcastle City Council have voted to bestow their highest honour on the manager of Newcastle United, Eddie Howe, following the team's Carabao Cup victory earlier this year.
Councillors have agreed with a motion put forward by council leader Karen Kilgour, to award Howe with the Freedom of the City.
The Wembley win on 16 March brought an end to a 70-year wait for domestic silverware for the club.
Howe joins other club legends who have been also made Freemen of Newcastle, including Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer.
Councillor Kilgour said: 'Eddie Howe will forever be a hero to Newcastle United supporters for his achievements during his time at the club so far, and I'm thrilled members recognised the significance of his contribution to our city by approving to bestow upon him the Honorary Freedom of Newcastle.
'Since day one, Eddie brought hope, belief and ambition back to the club and its fans around the world, myself included.
'More than being the man who brought silverware back to Tyneside, Eddie is a fantastic ambassador for our city. He is passionate yet calm, inspiring and polite, and handles himself with grace in the face of both success and defeat.
Organisations can also be awarded Freedom of the City, and Newcastle United itself received the honour in 1993.
The list also includes some iconic world figures in the fields of politics and entertainment, such as Nelson Mandela and Stevie Wonder.
In her submission proposing Howe as an Honorary Freeman, Karen Kilgour said: "Eddie Howe's achievements during his time at Newcastle United are nothing short of extraordinary.
"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."
Honorary Freeman status is slightly different to being a Hereditary Freeman, who swear to defend the city from attacks and enjoy grazing rights for cattle and sheep on Town Moor.
The title of Honorary Freeman comes with no powers or rights, but is instead a gesture of thanks and appreciation for the work that person has done for the city.
A ceremony will be arranged to formally install Mr Howe as a Freeman of Newcastle, when he will be presented with a framed scroll.
His name will also join the others in being engraved on the wall of the city council's Banqueting Hall.
