Newcastle boss Eddie Howe receives surprise tribute at National Television Awards

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Eddie Howe has yet to bring a trophy to Newcastle United - but was thanked as two of the North-East's favourite sons picked up their latest award

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe got a shoutout at the National Television Awards (Image credit: Getty Images)

 When it comes to the National Television Awards, Ant and Dec’s dominance is enough to put Manchester City’s grip on the Premier League firmly in the shade.

The Geordie duo once again took the Best Presenter title at the glitzy ceremony on Wednesday evening – winning the award for the 23rd time on the bounce. By now the best friends have given so many acceptance speeches, you’d imagine the script would rarely deviate from one year to another.

But one new name did get a shoutout this time – Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe. 

Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan (c) is joined by entertainers Ant (Anthony McPartlin) (l) and Dec ( Declan Donnelly) at the launch at St James' Park on May 10, 1995 of the new adidas 'grandad collar shirt' which along with the Newcastle Brown Ale logo proved to be an iconic shirt used by the 'Entertainers' team of the 1995/96 season.

Ant and Dec are lifelong Magpies (Image credit: Gary M Prior/Allsport/Getty Images)

As lifelong local supporters of the Magpies, McPartlin and Donnelly couldn’t resist taking time to give Howe a special mention.

Since his appointment as manager in November 2021, the former Bournemouth manager has lifted Newcastle from the foot of the Premier League, to thrashing PSG in the Champions League last season, as well as taking them to a League Cup final. And the presenting duo showed their gratitude on stage after their latest television triumph.

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After picking up the gong, McPartlin said: “We know we're not going to win it one year, but it's not tonight...thank goodness.

Donnelly then thanked their family back home by saying: “Thank you. It’s really hard to put into words just how this feels and what it means to us that you take the time to vote for us.

“Thank you also to our families up in the Toon for voting as well and being there for us.”

“Thanks to Eddie Howe, love you,” said McPartlin. “I do I love him,” he jokingly added while Donnelly laughed.

Newcastle United's new Adidas 2024/25 football kit

Howe is beloved on the Toon (Image credit: Adidas)

The warm feeling is mutual between the two parties.

When Howe first met the pair in 2022, during his first season on Tyneside, he told a press conference, “It was amazing to meet them. I’ve never met them before and it’s definitely one of the highlights so far.

“I love watching them and seeing their work. And I have to say they were so complimentary about the team and the work we’ve done.

“It brings it home how much everyone cares about Newcastle. That meant a lot.”

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Jack Lacey-Hatton
Jack Lacey-Hatton
Freelance writer

Jack has worked as a sports reporter full-time since 2021. He previously worked as the Chief Women’s Football Writer at the Mirror, covering the England Women’s national team and the Women’s Super League. Jack has reported on a number of major sporting events in recent years including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on the ground in Australia. When not writing about the game, he can often spotted playing at a pitch somewhere in the west London area.