Eddie Howe is poised to receive the freedom of Newcastle, marking a significant achievement as the first manager in 70 years to lead the city's football team to a major domestic victory. His nomination is set to be confirmed at the upcoming city council meeting, following Newcastle United's Carabao Cup win over Liverpool at Wembley.
This honor will place Howe alongside notable figures like Alan Shearer, Sir Bobby Robson, and Jackie Milburn, whose names are inscribed in the civic centre's banqueting hall. Additionally, he will gain traditional rights such as grazing privileges on the Town Moor, though these are typically reserved for hereditary Freemen.
Karen Kilgour, the council leader, has put forward Howe for this prestigious recognition, praising his remarkable accomplishments and declaring him a lasting hero for the city. Before being granted this status, Howe must pledge to protect Newcastle, particularly the Town Moor, a vast green area larger than Central Park, where grazing land is leased to farmers with proceeds benefiting charity.
During the induction ceremony, Howe will receive a scroll and must take an oath while holding a musket and a bible. He will also present the mayor with a pre-1910 silver coin. As Newcastle United's Saudi Arabian owners consider building a new stadium on Leazes Park, part of the Town Moor near St James’ Park, Howe may face a potential conflict of interest. He will be invited to attend the Town Moor joint working group’s quarterly meetings.
In the past, various groups opposed the club's previous plans to develop a new stadium on Leazes Park, which were eventually abandoned. The Freemen, who oversee Newcastle's green spaces, are a respected and somewhat enigmatic group with medieval roots. While they no longer bear arms, their traditions have evolved slowly; women were only granted the right to become Freemen in 2009. The first group of hereditary female Freemen was sworn in April 2010, including Professor Ruth Plummer, a prominent figure at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital.
Other honorary Freemen have included Nelson Mandela, recognized for his contributions to freedom while imprisoned in South Africa. Additionally, Dan Burn, who scored Newcastle’s opening goal in their 2-1 victory over Liverpool, has been nominated for the freedom of Northumberland.