Eddie Howe was applauded by all four corners of the Vitality Stadium after Newcastle United drew 1-1 at Bournemouth. While the result is not what he would have wanted, the Toon boss received a rapturous ovation on his first return since leaving the Cherries in August 2020.
Howe spent a combined 25 years on the south coast as a player and manager before his appointment on Tyneside. His time in the dugout saw him survive League Two relegation in his debut season before spearheading a charge up the English football pyramid.
That meteoric rise would see the Cherries compete in the Premier League for five seasons before suffering relegation three years ago. Newcastle’s trip to Bournemouth was the first time Howe returned to his former club since his exit.
READ MORE: Meet the Newcastle wonderkid keen to go 'step by step' after scoring first St James' Park goal
At the full-time whistle, the home crowd expressed their adulation for the 45-year-old as he applauded the travelling Toon contingent. Howe experienced a moment he will never forget as both sets of supporters paid tribute to the popular manager.
Former Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer also lauded Howe for his impact at both clubs. He told Sky Sports: “He deserves it (Bournemouth ovation). The Geordies are there as well, he's probably got the whole stadium saluting him. He did an unbelievable job at Bournemouth and the job he's doing at Newcastle (is unbelievable too). This is his moment and he deserves it.”
Ex-Magpies boss Graeme Souness added: “He did a remarkable job there. He got them up, kept them up for four years and ultimately got relegated… But you know, the average gate (at the Vitality Stadium) is 11,00 in the Premier League.
“To get them up and keep them in the Premier League (was fantastic). And he was trying to play a brand of football deemed attractive by most football supporters. At no point did he revert to long ball, launching it and just pushing in behind.”
READ NEXT
Exciting striker makes St James' Park visit amid Newcastle United trial talk
Meet the Newcastle signing who debunks London transfer myth after 'no-brainer' decision
Newcastle players playing for futures as coach warn they 'can't afford to waste a minute'
Newcastle's forgotten signing faces uncertain future despite comeback ahead of transfer deadline
Meet Newcastle's first summer signing after 'mad' whirlwind transfer which 'came out of nowhere'
