Eddie Howe "saved" Newcastle United from relegation and gave fans a similar sense of hope and enjoyment experienced during Kevin Keegan's era. That is the message from Newcastle's Lord Mayor, Councillor Henry Gallagher, who expressed sadness over Howe's decision to leave the club.
Freedom of the City honour
Councillor Gallagher said Howe had given him one of his greatest football memories when he witnessed the Magpies win the Carabao Cup at Wembley in 2025. He was "proud" to formally present him with the Freedom of the City on the one-year anniversary of the historic win in March.
Following Howe's decision to leave his role as head coach, Councillor Gallagher thanked him for bringing hope and stability back to Newcastle United.
A sad goodbye
Councillor Gallagher said: "It was a total shock this morning. I was making toast and suddenly it came on the TV that he'd left the club, it's really sad. I don't think he'll ever have to buy a pint in Newcastle ever. If he walks into a bar, people will buy him a drink. He gave us hope and stabilised the club."
He added: "People forget that we were favourites to be relegated when he came in and he saved us. He got us in the Champions League a couple of times and won us that first domestic trophy in about 70 years. He's been absolutely fantastic for the club and I'm sorry to see him go because I thought we could do a bit more rebuilding and get strong again and challenge next season."
Reminded of Keegan era
Councillor Gallagher, who has been a season ticket holder for over 20 years and watches from the Leazes End, said: "The past few years have been absolutely fantastic sitting there watching the games. It reminded me of the Kevin Keegan era. Eddie gave us a similar sort of hope and enjoyment going to the matches again."
He concluded: "Thank you, Eddie, for everything you've done and thank you to his family for letting us borrow him. And if he wants to come for tea with the Lord Mayor sometime in the Civic Centre, just send us an email."
