Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has congratulated Sam Fender after he won the Mercury Prize on Thursday night.
After two sold-out shows at St James’ Park over the summer, Sam Fender has enjoyed more success in his hometown.
The 2025 Mercury Prize was held in Newcastle on Thursday night, with the North Shields star picking up the award for his album People Watching. Fender and his band took home the gold ahead of the likes of Fontaines DC and Pulp, who were also nominated.
Eddie Howe says Newcastle United dressing room love Sam Fender
Ahead of Newcastle facing Brighton on Saturday, Eddie Howe has spoken to the media.
As well as providing injury updates on Yoane Wissa and Lewis Hall, the Toon boss was asked to give his reaction to local hero Sam Fender winning the 2025 Mercury Prize on Thursday evening at the Utilita Arena.
“I wouldn’t say I was all across it but massive congratulations to Sam,” he said, as reported by the Chronicle.
“He is massively popular in our dressing room, his music is playing all the time and as a result I have become accustomed to his work.”
While Howe has admitted that he is now a fan of Fender’s music because of his team playing it in the dressing room, he is not the manager’s favourite artist.
That honour goes to A-ha. They are a Norwegian pop band from the 1980s, best known for their 1985 hit Take On Me.
Howe has always spoken about his love for A-ha and 80s pop, but now he can add Fender to his playlist thanks to the Newcastle United squad.
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