Dummett made 213 appearances in all competitions for his boyhood club and confirmed on Friday evening that he was hanging up his boots at the age of 34.

And Howe, who worked with the Academy product during three seasons which saw the Magpies avoid a seemingly inevitable relegation, reach a first cup final in almost quarter of a century and return to the Champions League, said Dummett 'contributed to our success in so many different ways.'

Dummett made his final appearance for United on the final day of 2023/24 in a 4-2 win at Brentford, and Howe described him as: "A brilliant professional, a fantastic person and a very, very good player.

"I don't think Paul quite gets the credit that maybe he should for how good he was as a footballer, because it was difficult for me to give him the game time that his training performances here warranted," added United's head coach.

"He could play left back, left-side centre-half in a three and centre-half in a two, and did all of those roles really well. He was such a reliable defender, very good on the ball, and very rarely got beaten one-v-one, so he had great qualities.

"And just as an all-round package, he was a really good person to work with and I really enjoyed being with him for that length of time. He contributed to our success in so many different ways by being a good teammate and being a really positive influence behind the scenes.

"It didn't really matter what situation you put Paul in, he would always give his best, summed up by the training ground where no one really sees the work that goes on - but the players that he was playing with fully understood what a good professional he was, how diligent he was and what a great example was to all young players.

"Paul's got a really good football brain. It all depends on what he wants and to do and what his passions are, but I think he's such a good person that he can turn his hand to anything, and I'm sure it'd be a success, in the next stage of his life. Certainly, he's always welcome here. We'll always support him in any way that we can."

A goal on his Premier League home debut against Liverpool in October 2013 and a late equaliser against Manchester United in January 2016 were among many high points for a player who came to prominence after winning the Scottish League Cup during a loan spell with St Mirren.

There was also a relegation with Newcastle in 2015/16 but Dummett was a key part of the team which bounced straight back by lifting the Championship title the following season, playing 45 league games under Rafa Benítez, and he remained an important member of the squad as United re-established themselves in the Premier League under the Spaniard.

"I have very fond memories of Paul, both as a player and as a person," said Benítez. "He was always one of those players coaches love - reliable, steady, someone you know will fulfil his role and is always willing to help his teammates perform better. A great team player and an excellent person. Best of luck, Paul."

Steve Bruce succeeded Benítez, leading United to 12th and 11th place finishes in the top flight as Covid-19 hit. Injuries affected Dummett's availability under the former Manchester United centre-back, but he was man of the match in Bruce's first win, away at Tottenham Hotspur in August 2019, and scored a rare goal in a 4-2 win at Leicester.

"When he played, he always gave his all," said Bruce. "He was a good pro and one of the good guys. I wish him all the best with his next chapter."

Dummett was given his long-awaited opportunity in the first team by Alan Pardew, who was replaced by John Carver as manager for the second half of the 2014/15 campaign. Carver had previously been on the coaching staff, but first worked with Dummett at the club's Academy and consistently called upon Dummett during his tenure.

He told newcastleunited.com: "Sometimes when a local player makes the first team - not only makes it but establishes himself as a regular - it is easy for us all to forget just what that means for him and for his family. Many kids start out with that dream but so few will ever realise it.

"So now the time has come for Paul Dummett to retire, I will allow myself a moment to remember the determined, talented, likeable boy I first met all those years ago as a wide-eyed hopeful.

"I saw him blossom into a Premier League player and had the privilege of a ringside seat to his development as his coach and as his manager.

"Congratulations, Paul, for the amazing career and living your dream. I'm so very proud of you not only for the career you've had but just as importantly I'm proud of the man you've become. Best wishes in whatever comes next for you and your family."

Dummett left St. James' Park in the summer of 2024, departing 23 years after he first arrived at the club's Academy.

Neil Winskill - now Newcastle United's Head of Technical Development - was one of his first coaches. "Paul embodies everything our club stands for - hard work, passion, and discipline," he said. "I had the privilege of coaching him at ten years old, and even then he was fully committed, always 'all in’, and wore the black and white shirt with immense pride.

"Seeing a local lad come through our Academy and live every Geordie's dream is always special, but it is even more satisfying when that player is as genuine and grounded as Paul. His character, humility, and love for the game have shone through from the start.

"Whatever Paul goes on to do next, I'm certain he'll approach it with the same dedication, professionalism, and determination he's shown throughout his career. I wish him every success."

Ben Dawson held various positions at the club between 2009 and 2024, including Under-21 Coach, first team coach and even a brief spell as caretaker manager in 2019.

“He was an ultimate pro who would put the team above himself," said the current Brøndby IF assistant coach of Dummett. "He set standards and mentality in training every single day. He was level-headed and contributed enormously to the successes the club have achieved. Paul was a pleasure to work with."

Dummett remains one of the most successful graduates of Newcastle United's Academy in recent years. Steve Harper is now the club's Academy Director, but played with Dummett at different ends of their respective careers.

"Firstly, congratulations to Paul on a long and successful career," said Harper. "As an Academy product, I remember clearly when he first emerged while I was still playing for the club, and it's been a privilege to watch his journey unfold.

"Over such a long period, he was an excellent servant to Newcastle United, giving everything for the shirt. His versatility was a huge asset to the team, and throughout it all he has remained humble, grounded, and true to himself.

"Paul has never changed, he's always been a proud Geordie who represented his boyhood club with dedication, humility and a true sense of pride. He stands as a shining example to our current Academy players of what can be achieved through hard work and commitment, and everyone here is immensely proud of him as he embarks on his next chapter."