NEWCASTLE fans waited so long for a proper knees-up that it was always going to be one to remember.
They may have forgotten what it was like to win a trophy but not how to throw a party — as we all got to see two weeks ago.
GettyHarry Redknapp backs Newcastle for more silverware[/caption]
Which is just as well, because their gaffer Eddie Howe is building something so special I think those supporters will have a lot to celebrate from here.
Far bigger things than the Carabao Cup, with all due respect, because in my book that is just the start.
They certainly won’t be waiting 70 years for the next domestic trophy!
I am not saying the next stop is the Premier League title as they are three good signings short of pushing the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal over a season — but they are moving closer.
Eddie, who was in hospital yesterday after feeling ill during the week, will miss their clash against Manchester United today and I wish him a speedy recovery.
And so will all the Toon fans — which certainly shows up all those who reckoned Eddie was only keeping the seat warm for a glamorous foreign name after the Saudis appointed him.
Whether that was the plan when they arrived I don’t know but — four years on — the only way I can see Howe leaving St James’ Park is for the England job.
The search for Thomas Tuchel’s replacement, when that day comes, won’t take long, although I am not saying Newcastle fans should start worrying yet.
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That’s for the future.
For now, all that matters is making sure this is the real thing, not just another false start.
After the Saudis took over there was a lot of talk the richest club in the world would take off, and when they made the Champions League two years ago, it certainly looked that way.
But despite that famous win over Paris Saint-Germain, they never really got off the launch pad and when they went from finishing fourth in the Prem to seventh, quite a few feared the worst for Eddie.
Thankfully the people who matter never doubted he was the right man and now you won’t find anyone who disagrees.
Actually there was one… the radio pundit I heard who said Howe wasn’t the answer if they wanted to push on after the League Cup. What a load of cobblers!
Of course, they must make sure the Wembley win isn’t a one-off and Newcastle can only prove that over time but what convinces me they will is the way Eddie has gone about it.
Right from the start he said it wouldn’t be a trolley dash for the biggest names in football just because he had the money and he proved it by making Kieran Trippier his first signing.
When Dan Burn, something of a journeyman up to then, arrived soon after fans weren’t exactly buzzing at the new buys.
Far bigger things than the Carabao Cup… They certainly won’t be waiting 70 years for the next domestic trophy!
Harry Redknapp
Ask them now, though, and you will get a different answer. And do not forget, either, that for all there is no shortage of stars in the squad, the fact most have become bigger at the Toon than they were before says a lot.
Alexander Isak is a world-class striker you could put alongside any in the game, while Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali are top-notch midfielders.
Anthony Gordon is one of the best wingers around and young full-backs Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have both won England caps since signing.
But for me, Trippier has been the real star of the show and the leader every manager wants.
The second leg of the League Cup semi-final was perfect proof, when he steamed into the first tackle and set the tone. Arsenal were never in it after that.
And Burn is just unbelievable. From doing the rounds at places like Yeovil, Birmingham and Wigan to man of the match at Wembley and an England cap. What a career!
There have been more glamorous names since — most of them, to be honest — but Eddie knew it had to start with characters. And they don’t come bigger than those two.
He knows there is a huge summer ahead, too, and top of the list has to be keeping Isak, with loads of Europe’s big names sniffing around.
Securing a Champions League place will help, for sure, and with five teams in it from England next season, there is a great chance of Newcastle being one of them.
Now those incredible Geordie fans are already daring to dream — and this time there may be no rude awakening.
PAEddie Howe lifts the Carabao Cup[/caption]
SplashThe Geordie’s still know how to party[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
