Newcastle beat West Ham United 3-1 to end what has been an inconsistent league campaign in positive fashion, but the afternoon's significance extended well beyond the result. Long-serving club doctor Paul Catterson, who arrived with Alan Shearer when the Newcastle United legend became manager in 2009, also said his goodbyes alongside goalkeeper Max Thompson, who has been released at the end of his contract.
Howe reflected on the lap of appreciation that followed the final whistle.
"Every time we have walked around at the end of the season it has been a really nice moment, just to stop and reflect on the season's work. And of course today was slightly different because we are focusing on Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth and Paul Catterson and Max Thompson. They are people who will leave us that have done a really great job for us, on and off the pitch. They have given incredible service to the club and we are going to miss them. They have been a big part of our lives. In football, nothing stays the same. Everything changes so quickly, so I think that was a nice moment for them."
Trippier captained Newcastle for the occasion and played his final home match for the club after six years in which he became one of the most influential signings of the Howe era. The England full-back's departure has been known for some time, but Howe was generous in his assessment of what Trippier has meant beyond his playing contributions.
"Knowing Kieran as well as I do now, he is brilliant on the pitch but it's off the pitch as well, the stabilising effect he has in the dressing room, the positivity in difficult moments and the way he inspires the players. He's a really inspiring leader and wherever he goes, the club will be very lucky."
Howe was also satisfied with the nature of the performance against West Ham, which he felt demonstrated the standards the squad sets for itself regardless of the league position at stake.
"It was a strong performance from us. I was really pleased with a lot of aspects of our game today. It would have been easy for people to look at this and say Newcastle had nothing to play for. But we have a duty to be at our very best and I'm pleased with how we went about it. We have a lot of players who play with pride and would never want to let the club down."