Eddie Howe guided Newcastle United to their first League Cup final since 1976 with a stunning 3-1 aggregate win over Southampton in the semi-finals.
Not since the year 2000 have Geordie fans walked up Wembley Way when a 2-1 defeat in the FA Cup semi-finals left them deflated. This time there is a genuine feel of optimism that things can be better.
This team feels good enough to win it - even against a decent enough Manchester United team and even with the long trophy drought since 1969 still ongoing. If Howe does manage it he can expect a statue in the city after so many managers tried and failed to deliver success.