Optimism, pride, sadness - these are just some of the mix of emotions Warren Barton experienced in watching his beloved Newcastle United fall to defeat in the Carabao Cup final. The ex-Magpies full-back joined fellow club legends and former team-mates John Beresford, Steve Harper, Rob Lee, Nobby Solano and Alan Shearer in the stands at Wembley as Eddie Howe's side were once again denied by Manchester United.
Newcastle made a fast start to the contest, but the damage was done in the space of a decisive seven-minute spell before the break. It was a familiar scoreline for a Magpies' cup final at Wembley, but there is a widespread acceptance that the Toon Army will not have to wait another 24 years before their next weekend away in the capital.
Barton told ChronicleLive: "There were lots of positives from the game. I'm gutted we didn't win, but this is the beginning. We're not going to wait 20-odd years to get there again.
