Seeing his beloved Newcastle United play in a cup final is something 93-year-old John Beeby has waited a long time for.
And after 40 years as a season ticket holder and 1,726 matches, on Sunday that dream finally became reality when John travelled to Wembley to see Newcastle play in the Carabao Cup Final against Manchester United.
Being surrounded by fellow Geordies showing their support for The Magpies and soaking up the atmosphere in the grounds were just some of the highlights that created a "brilliant" day for the devoted supporter. And his daughter Erica Mansfield who accompanied him to the game said it's a memory with her dad she will always treasure.
Read more: Newcastle United fan, 93, heading to Wembley to cheer on his team for the 1,727th time
The 64-year-old said: "He absolutely loved it and he was taking it all in. It was an amazing experience and another memory for me and him together and he had a lovely time. It was a fantastic day."
John, from Newburn, said: "I enjoyed the whole day, it was brilliant."
"It's funny, you never saw a red and white scarf in London until after the game. They must have had them all hidden until they won the game.
"But the Newcastle supporters, they were brilliant.", he added.
John travelled to Wembley from Newcastle on Sunday morning with his daughter Duina, before meeting Erica in London. After checking into the Pullman hotel at London St Pancras they caught the Tube to Wembley where they were greeted by a sea of black and white, tops, scarves and flags donned by Newcastle fans.
He added that walking along Wembley Way he spotted former Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi and later bumped into someone he used to work with who he hadn't seen for 30 years.
John said: "I met a father and daughter who sit behind me at the match and I also met a lad who was my apprentice when I was a joiner. I haven't seen him in about 30 years.
"All the way to Wembley and there was so many people there."
Although John thought it was "disappointing" that Newcastle lost 2-0 in the end, he said: "We stood by our team and they did their best."
Erica added: "If somebody had said to me this time last year you would be at Wembley and fifth in the league I would have said you're deranged. We've come so far and we'll come back better and stronger."
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