Thought For The Day – Friday 28^th March 2025

The first three pictures above are of “The Angel of the North” statue, by Antony Gormley, in Gateshead, in the North East of England. (Click on each image to view)

 

Sunday is Mothering Sunday. We think of our mothers.  Some with us. So many in Heaven.

One person who deeply thought of, and dedicated an achievement to,  his mum (pictured above) recently was Eddie Howe, the Head Coach of the Newcastle United men’s football team.

After humbly leading his team to Newcastle’s first domestic trophy in seventy years,  Eddie, in a moment of great triumph,  recalled the sacrifices his mum, Anne, who died in 2012, made.  He remembered his roots in the press conference afterwards, saying: 

“Naturally, you think of the players, the staff, but also the people who are not with you. Like for me, my mum.  Family members. Go to them and just think of all the hard sacrifices, hard work, that they gave you as a child to give you the opportunity to have a good life.  You think you get help “from above” and you get support. I just always had the thought to try make my family proud and now I have three boys and I want to try and make them proud too.”

Like mother, like son.

Eddie Howe attributes all his success to his mum, who first took him to Wembley as a child. Remarkably, Eddie Howe, who had to retire as a player because of injury, previously led Bournemouth from the very foot of League 2 to the English Premier League. After being appointed by Newcastle United, he led the team away from relegation, then to the “Champions League”, a major final two years ago and now to the coveted trophy.  

Eddie Howe is famed for his meticulous preparation, keeping notebooks on ever-evolving  training sessions,  as well as his pastoral care, working thoughtfully with his long-serving assistant, Jason Tindall, the staff and players . “Make Every Day Your Masterpiece” is his motto. He believes we can and should control what we can control  In the league game against Liverpool, a few weeks ago,  Eddie already had a concealed tactical plan for the big game. It was further cemented in training afterwards.  In the week of the final, distractions, and emotion, were set aside, with a clear and present focus.  In Eddie Howe’s career, and in this season alone, resilience, resetting and responding to setbacks have had to be shown.  

Values too.  In his moment of triumph, Eddie Howe firstly shook the hand of all the team’s brilliant opponents, Liverpool,  rather than celebrate. Empathy, compassion and respect.

Equally, selfless service. As Eddie Howe said, this was not about him but “a victory for everyone”.  This was a wonderful win for the players, the staff (many long-serving, said Eddie) the outstanding supporters, the community, the city and the region. Eddie Howe talked of the players representing the club as professionals “in the right way”  at all times.

And what a brilliant region the North East of England is.

For Newcastle United supporters, such as Mr. Gunn and Mr. MacLeod,  Newcastle’s victory was a magnificent, memorable and moving moment.  So richly deserved.  A club always admired, loved and successful, but now with a domestic trophy after a generation and more.

From “Black and Gold” to “Black and White”.   From one St. James’ Park to another (which is the most iconic?).  Cathedrals on hills.

It is very interesting to reflect on those inspiring and positive community individuals, groups and organisations which people are proud to support and people live their lives so dedicated and devoted to. 

We truly hope TBSHS is one of these for you. 

But there will be others, familial, local, national and international,  alongside.

What is your positive passion? 

Who or what inspires you? 

For Eddie Howe, it was, and is, his mum.

Happy Mothering Sunday to all mothers.