A hat and scarf seller is doing a roaring trade at the top of the Bigg Market on the walk up to St James' Park and there is a real buzz in the air around the city.
Only it's not a match day, it's just a Tuesday afternoon in Newcastle city centre. OK, we are just a week away from the build-up to Wembley and all the trimmings that come with the Carabao Cup final but the truth is, it's been like this since Mike Ashley handed the keys over to Amanda Staveley some 18 months ago now.
In a week in which Kevin Keegan returned to Newcastle to an incredible reception where his vow that fans would "get their club back one day" was repeated, there's even a possibility that Eddie Howe could have eclipsed King Kev before the month is out. Even the mere thought such rich history being written was unthinkable not so long ago.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe has laid down challenge to his Newcastle players with Spurs and Liverpool on the chase
But the mood in the city has changed entirely since the Saudi-backed takeover really kicked in and not simply because of new ownership, but because of the the way, the team has gone about their business on the field. This team is becoming iconic and in years to come it does feel like Howe's side could be reeled off in the same way as the Entertainers, with each and every one of them looked as family members by the fans.
Slowly around some of the youth football clubs in the region, the Man City and Real Madrid shirts are lesser seen and young fans are donning the black and white again. Suddenly the currency on a Bruno Panini sticker around schools has heightened from just a regular swap to up 12 doubles to get the star Brazilian's face in kids' albums!
Forget any sense of negativity because United have drawn five games in the last in the Premier League. Getting into the top four is still very much in United's hands.
Newcastle have lost just once, are unbeaten in 17 matches and defensively they've conceded a measly 13 goals in 22 matches. It's more than just a foundation the best season since 2012 in the Prem. They could better the fifth place that Alan Pardew guided United to more than a decade ago but even if they don't - with the chance of silverware up for grabs - this could be the greatest season in more than half a century.
And while there was an air of disappointment over a failure to get Wembley tickets for some, many are now looking to make a day of it. Already pubs and shops around the Toon are decorated in black and white with "Howay the lads" emblazoned on windows and doors.
Mini stadiums and auditoriums are springing up around Tyneside for the biggest day in the club's history since they reached the FA Cup final in 1999. At Northumbria University a 10ft by 7ft screen will provide a beam back with music from Andrew Cushin beforehand and the event has quickly sold out.
The Village Hotel on the Cobalt is also providing a huge day for supporters not going to Wembley with tickets going fast. Regardless of where you watch it you might struggle to get a place with Newcastle set to come to a standstill on February 26.
For now, though Howe must get his squad to maintain focus with Wembley talk banned around their Benton base until Liverpool is out the way. Only then will the countdown to Newcastle's most significant day in 24 years really get under way.
A quick walk around the city tells you, this place is ready for it. Quite what it will be like if Newcastle do actually hoist the League Cup, well that is almost indescribable.
Our 48-page Carabao Cup final special is available to buy now! Click HERE to get your copy as Newcastle United prepare for a historic day out at Wembley. Also available to purchase through local participating retailers.
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