My oh my, can you believe it? Dare you believe it? Newcastle United have won a showpiece Wembley cup final. Say it again ever so slowly and drink it in. Be still my fluttering heart.
Age had prolonged my agony. I had waited 70 years to see United lift a domestic trophy into the night air of north west London since as a small boy sitting in front of my auntie Grace’s postage stamp black and white telly I smugly watched Wor Jackie win us our third FA Cup in 1955.
I had waited 56 years for us to win anything since the European Fairs Cup of 69, so long ago that I am the only journo still working on the NUFC beat who reported on that epic June night in Budapest.
Now I am tasting champagne and caviar once more after years of bread and water. We have a brand new set of heroes, a band of brothers, a bunch of winners.
Against all the odds, against the loss of three key players, against a Liverpool side dripping with ability and swagger, United have emerged into permanent sunshine.
I like many other Geordies of my advanced years, had sat through five winless visits to Wembley when each cup final was lost and only one goal was ever scored. I was there in 74 and 76, back in 98 and 99, still potless in 2023. Not any more.
Where the names of Jackie Milburn, Bobby Mitchell, Joe Harvey, Jimmy Scoular, Ronnie Simpson, Frank Brennan, and Len White had stood alone _ all long after their passing _ we can now add the likes of Captain Bruno, Alexander Isak, big Joelinton, and our Italian stallion Sandro Tonali.
(Image: Getty Images)
Eddie Howe has become the first Newcastle manager since Harvey to lord it over a significant cup victory. He has achieved what even Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson, beloved by all black and whiters, failed to do.
Since the takeover released the Toon Army from the suffocation of Mike Ashley’s rule times have indeed improved significantly _ a fourth top finish bringing Champions League football and nights like Paris Saint Germain, a Carabao Cup final against Manchester United two years ago, and now the ultimate prize of silverware.
We have waited from grandads down to fathers and sons for a day like March 16, 2025 which will now be etched in United history. Our first ever league cup claimed to go alongside the six FA Cups and European Fairs Cup from yesteryear. Let the bugles blare. Get out the bunting. Have a street party. It has been a long time but no one parties better than the Geordies.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/sport-opinion/be-still-fluttering-heart-gibbos-31213447
