“We have not won a domestic trophy in 67 years.” That is the blunt message Eddie Howe had installed on a TV screen at Newcastle United’s training ground upon his arrival on Tyneside. The purpose of such a cruel reminder was to serve as motivation for the Magpies to end their painstaking wait for cup silverware.
Whether that message will remain at the club's Benton base after the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United remains to be seen. But even though Newcastle didn't end the agonising wait for cup success, the players, staff and supporters have enjoyed a weekend that will long in the memory for everyone involved.
In some small way, it was never about the result at Wembley on Sunday. Simply the fact thousands of Geordies were given the chance to travel to the capital was enough. Many of the St James’ Park faithful who flocked down south on Friday, Saturday and Sunday were not even born the last time Newcastle reached a final at the national stadium.
