Excitement as Newcastle fans prepare for cup final
Excitement is building on Tyneside and at Wembley as Newcastle United prepare to take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
More than 32,000 fans have travelled to London, with many taking over Covent Garden on Saturday.
Supporters are hopeful the Magpies will return to St James' Park with their first major trophy since 1969.
In Newcastle, people are already lining up outside fan zones and pubs across the city ahead of 16:30 GMT kick off.
Lifelong supporter Kevin said he had witnessed the Magpies score only one goal in seven visits to Wembley.
"Mostly it's been very disappointing, but great occasions," he said.
But when asked by BBC Radio Newcastle if he believed his team could win this time, he said yes.
Geordie takeover in Covent Garden #wedontdoquietpic.twitter.com/WMewHsa1IR
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) March 15, 2025
BBC Radio Newcastle's Matt Bailey, who was broadcasting live from Wembley Way, heard from fans from around the world cheering on Eddie Howe's men.
Tracey, who is currently in Cyprus, said she was feeling positive because the umbrellas on the local beach were black and white.
"If that's not a sign, I don't know what is," Bailey said.
Two magpies and a sausage roll
Newcastle, however, are without key players.
Anthony Gordon is currently serving a three-match ban after getting a red card against Brighton in the FA Cup.
Lewis Hall and Sven Botman have also been ruled out through injury.
Supporters John and Joe told BBC Radio Newcastle they were feeling anxious and excited after travelling down from Cheshire this morning.
"I'm 47 and I haven't seen us win anything," said John.
"England and Newcastle, I haven't seen anyone win anything in my life. So today's the day I think."
John said when he left the house this morning he saw two magpies.
"That's the thing, 2-0, that's where it's going to go," he said.
"We've got to do it."
Rebecca, a university chaplain from Wallsend, North Tyneside, said she had been to mass to prepare for the game.
"I've said the prayers, so hopefully that'll pull them through," she said.
Ant and Dec used a dog to predict triumph for the Toon as they sent a good luck message to the team.
Musician Sam Fender - wearing his Newcastle United shirt - posted on Instagram: "Already got emotional today. Shed some tears, HWTL [howay the lads]".
You heard it here first!! Howay The Lads 🖤🤍 #NUFCpic.twitter.com/oSiNb7X02N
— antanddec (@antanddec) March 15, 2025
Earlier in the week, Matty Nicholls, from Ashington, Northumberland, got a Greggs sausage roll shaved on to the back of his head.
Speaking to BBC Look North on Wembley Way, he said if Newcastle won he would get a brown ale bottle shaved into the back of his head - and a tattoo of the winning goal scorer.
"Even if it's a van Dijk own goal, he's going on," he laughed.
"Let's hope this is our time, we're due one."
The last trophy for the club was in 1969, the old Fairs Cup, but the 1955 FA Cup was the club's last domestic success.
Alan Shearer, who captained Newcastle in the 1999 FA Cup final, said he "will be as nervous as any supporter".
"I know I am biased but if any set of fans deserves a trophy it is the Newcastle supporters because of their passion, their loyalty and how they have stuck by the team over the years," he wrote for BBC Sport.
The last Newcastle player to score at Wembley 25 years ago, Rob Lee, said it was a title he hoped to lose today.
"We haven't got a great record at Wembley, he said.
"But if Isak or anybody in the team breaks it then we win the game, I will be absolutely delighted.
"I'll be partying with the rest of the Geordies."
On Saturday, the iconic Angel of the North statue in Gateshead was draped in a black and white shirt, with crowds of people turning up to take photos.
One fan, Steph who brought her family to see it, said: "It just represents so much as well about pride in the city and bringing people together."
The Gateshead Millennium Bridge spanning the River Tyne also displayed a banner.
Follow BBC Newcastle on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.
- Angel of North gets Newcastle shirt ahead of final
- 'A ridiculously long wait - but trophy win would change everything'
Related internet links
-
Excitement builds for Newcastle's trip to Wembley
NUFC fans are hopeful as more than 32,000 head to London for the Carabao Cup final.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Carabao Cup final predictions – can Newcastle end trophy drought vs Liverpool?
Holders Liverpool will take on Newcastle United at Wembley in the League Cup final on Sunday.Yahoo Sports - 7h -
How to Watch Liverpool vs Newcastle for Free – Carabao Cup Final Live Streaming
How to Watch Liverpool vs Newcastle for Free: TV Channel and Live Stream for Carabao Cup FinalHuge Clash at Wembley as Liverpool and Newcastle Chase GloryThe Carabao Cup Final is set for an ...Yahoo Sports - 4h -
Liverpool vs. Newcastle how to watch, odds: 2025 EFL Cup final picks, expert predictions, best bets
Martin Green has locked in his best bet for Sunday's Newcastle vs. Liverpool EFL Cup final match on Paramount+CBS Sports - 2h -
Is Liverpool vs Newcastle on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch Carabao Cup final
The Carabao Cup holders Liverpool face a Newcastle team who have not won a major domestic trophy in 70 yearsYahoo Sports - 51m -
Liverpool vs Newcastle – Predicted lineup and team news
Liverpool take on Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley this afternoon.The first silverware of the season will be decided in the capital, as Arne Slot looks to win his first trophy ...Yahoo Sports - 8h -
Liverpool vs Newcastle: League Cup Final LIVE updates, watch live, score, analysis, highlights
Liverpool look to improve their record 10 League Cup triumphs when they meet trophy-starved Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.Yahoo Sports - 1h -
Carabao Cup Final: Liverpool Face Newcastle in Wembley Showdown
Liverpool vs Newcastle: Match Preview, Team News and How to WatchWembley Awaits as Liverpool Face Newcastle in Carabao Cup FinalLiverpool and Newcastle lock horns at Wembley this Sunday in a ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
EFL Cup final: How to watch Liverpool vs. Newcastle, odds, live stream, prediction, channel, start time
Liverpool are angling for their first trophy under Arne Slot, while Newcastle are eyeing their first trophy since 1969CBS Sports - 1h
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Substitutes Fofana and Mikautadze score to help Lyon rally past Le Havre in French league
Substitutes Malick Fofana and Georges Mikautadze played key roles in helping Lyon to rally past Le Havre 4-2 in the French league on Sunday. Mikautadze, who joined Lyon from Metz last year, scored ...Yahoo Sports - 16m -
Substitutes Fofana and Mikautadze score to help Lyon rally past Le Havre in French league
Substitutes Malick Fofana and Georges Mikautadze played key roles in helping Lyon to rally past Le Havre 4-2 in the French league on Sunday. Mikautadze, who joined Lyon from Metz last year, scored ...Yahoo Sports - 16m -
Reidsville completes second straight perfect season with 60th straight win, state title
Reidsville (North Carolina) finished its second straight perfect season and its 60th win in a row with another state title, led by Kendre Harrison.Yahoo Sports - 19m -
Reidsville completes second straight perfect season with 60th straight win, state title
Reidsville (North Carolina) finished its second straight perfect season and its 60th win in a row with another state title, led by Kendre Harrison.Yahoo Sports - 19m -
Jacksonville Jaguars' own free agents: Who was signed and who is still available?
Now nearly a week into NFL free agency, which of the Jacksonville Jaguars' own free agents are signed and which are still available?Yahoo Sports - 22m
More in Sports
-
Longtime Cowboys backup QB Cooper Rush signing two-year deal to back up Ravens' Lamar Jackson
Rush's contract has a reported $4.2 million guaranteedCBS Sports - 10m -
Longtime Cowboys backup QB Cooper Rush signing two-year deal to back up Ravens' Lamar Jackson
Rush's contract has a reported $4.2 million guaranteedCBS Sports - 10m -
College basketball rankings: Auburn a lock for No. 1 overall seed, but history says losing skid bodes poorly
There's no debating the Tigers' superior résumé, but they don't enter the NCAA Tournament on a hot streakCBS Sports - 13m -
Substitutes Fofana and Mikautadze score to help Lyon rally past Le Havre in French league
Substitutes Malick Fofana and Georges Mikautadze played key roles in helping Lyon to rally past Le Havre 4-2 in the French league on Sunday. Mikautadze, who joined Lyon from Metz last year, scored ...Yahoo Sports - 16m -
Substitutes Fofana and Mikautadze score to help Lyon rally past Le Havre in French league
Substitutes Malick Fofana and Georges Mikautadze played key roles in helping Lyon to rally past Le Havre 4-2 in the French league on Sunday. Mikautadze, who joined Lyon from Metz last year, scored ...Yahoo Sports - 16m