United boss is granted Freedom of Newcastle

NEWCASTLE United manager Eddie Howe has been given the city's highest civic honour.

- DANIEL HOLLAND

Councillors voted yesterday to confirm the Magpies' boss would receive the Freedom of Newcastle.

It comes after he guided NUFC to a historic victory in the Carabao Cup final earlier this year, securing the club's first domestic trophy in 70 years.

The honorary freedom of the city is bestowed on eminent individuals or groups who have made a major contribution to life on Tyneside and is a title also held by sporting legends including Alan Shearer, Jackie Milburn, and Sir Bobby Robson.

The ex-Bournemouth manager, who arrived at St James' Park in 2021, was not present at the Civic Centre for Wednesday's meeting but Newcastle City Council is planning to arrange a special presentation for him at a later date.

City council leader Karen Kilgour, who nominated the 47-year-old for the honour after March's Wembley triumph, said Howe would “forever be a hero to Newcastle United supporters”.