It took a Longstaff to end a long wait. For the first time since the 20th century, Newcastle United have a final to look forward to and, at a ground where they play Local Hero, Sean Longstaff proved just that.
The midfielder was 18 months old when Newcastle lost the 1999 FA Cup final to Manchester United. Now the two Uniteds are likely to reconvene at Wembley courtesy of a Newcastle-born player. For much of Longstaff’s life, Newcastle had neglected the cups, particularly under Mike Ashley’s regime. Now Eddie Howe is a game away from winning their first trophy since 1969. He stands on the brink of a historic achievement, even if for some it would be clouded by the presence of their Saudi Arabian owners in the background.
