Eddie Howe to be awarded Freedom of Newcastle after Carabao Cup win

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is set to be awarded the freedom of the city following the club’s historic Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool.

Howe led the Magpies to a 2-1 win on Sunday, securing their first major trophy since 1969.

As recognition for this achievement, he will receive the highest civic honour Newcastle can bestow – an accolade previously granted to club legends such as Sir Bobby Robson, Alan Shearer, and Jackie Milburn.

The announcement comes as another local hero, defender Dan Burn, has been nominated for the Freedom of Northumberland.

The Blyth-born player played a key role in the final, scoring Newcastle’s opening goal at Wembley – the club’s first at the stadium in 25 years.

Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, was delighted to nominate Howe for the honour.

Eddie Howe. Newcastle United legend. 🏆

The gaffer is to be awarded the Freedom of the City, and boy does he deserve it. 💪 pic.twitter.com/MywuByrBYA

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) March 18, 2025

“Generations of supporters have never seen their beloved club lift a domestic trophy, and under his leadership we all now have treasured memories of a truly unforgettable day,” she said.

The formal confirmation of Howe’s award is expected to take place at a full council meeting later this year.

Meanwhile, Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson praised Burn’s contribution and confirmed plans to nominate him for the Freedom of Northumberland.

“It’s a great victory for the region and the fact a local lad from Blyth played such a crucial part of the journey is wonderful,” he said.

In addition to these honours, Northumberland National Park has paid tribute to Burn in a unique way – temporarily renaming Elsdon Burn Walk as “Big Dan Burn Walk.”

“Northumberland National Park is a place as grand and expansive as Dan himself,” they added, making reference to the defender’s towering 6ft 6in height.

The club’s Carabao Cup victory will be marked with an open-top bus parade through the city. Newcastle United has urged fans to “save the date” for 29 March, after the international break, when players and staff will showcase their long-awaited silverware.