Howe and Burn to receive further honours

Newcastle United’s manager Eddie Howe is set to be awarded the Freedom of Newcastle following his side’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final, which sparked jubilant scenes across the city and secured the club’s first piece of major silverware since 1969.

He is now set to receive the highest civic honour the city can bestow, following in the footsteps of local legends Sir Bobby Robson, Alan Shearer and Jackie Milburn.

Councillor Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, who nominated Howe, said: “What Eddie has achieved during his time at Newcastle United is nothing short of extraordinary and I’m delighted to nominate him for Freedom of the City.

“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, myself included.

“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.

“He will forever be a hero to our city and I’m incredibly proud to do my bit to recognise his accomplishments.”

The honour is expected to be formally confirmed at a full council meeting later this year.

Meanwhile, Ashington-born and Blyth-raised Dan Burn, recently named North East Football Writers’ Association Personality of the Year and whose towering header set Newcastle on course for victory, has been nominated for the Freedom of Northumberland.

Dan, who was named Player of the Match in the final and is currently with the England squad for the first time, was nominated by Councillor Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, who added: “It’s a great victory for the region and the fact a local lad from Blyth played such a crucial part in this journey is wonderful.

“As a season ticket holder for over 30 years, I’m extremely proud, not only of this achievement but that someone from our county has been a part of it.

“I’m sure it’s a dream come true for Dan, who’s also had his first England call-up, and I believe this will inspire our young people to achieve their dreams.”

And if that’s not enough, Northumberland National Park has also announced that it has temporarily renamed Elsdon Burn Walk, near Elsdon, to ‘Big Dan Burn Walk’, with Tony Gates, chief executive at Northumberland National Park Authority, adding: “In an unprecedented and temporary move, Northumberland National Park Authority wanted to honour Dan’s incredible contribution to sport and culture in the region.

“It seems like a fitting place to mark Dan's and the whole team’s heroic achievements.”

Finally, the Magpies have issued a ‘save the date’ for their open-top bus parade through Newcastle on March 29, which is sure to bring the city to a complete standstill.

Even Eddie Howe, so often unassuming, said: “There has to be a big celebration. 

“I certainly will be encouraging it, which is very rare for me, usually I’m the other way. 

“We have to celebrate, hopefully with our supporters, with everyone that's waited so long.”

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