Newcastle United and their fans did the North East proud. That is the overwhelming feeling amongst MPs and councils across the region.
Thousands of fans, dressed in black and white, travelled down to London to support the club as they competed in the Carabao Cup final It was the first time the Magpies had been in a cup final since 1999.
Those who couldn't make the trip, gathered in fan zones and pubs in Newcastle city centre. They waved flags, sang their hearts out and continued to support the team after the final whistle.
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Although Newcastle lost 2-0 to Manchester United, many believe it is just the beginning of the club's journey and a sign of better things to come.
MPs and councils across the region have expressed their pride at seeing the black and white display at Wembley, created by Wor Flags, and supporters tidying up Trafalgar Square after celebrating there on Saturday night.
Cllr Nick Kemp, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said that although Newcastle United didn't win the game on the pitch, they did off it.
He said: "As leader of the city council, I am of course disappointed by the result of the cup final but I am proud of the achievement of reaching the final and the magnificent performance of the players.
"Whilst we may have lost the match, despite being in my opinion the better team for most of the game, there can be no doubt we won hands down off the pitch. The display of the Geordie faithful at Trafalgar Square on Saturday and the Wor Flags display at Wembley was truly amazing.
"I don't believe people across the world could not have been moved by this display of pride and love for Newcastle United. We are a united city and rightly proud.
"I would like to thank the Newcastle United players for representing our great club and city with pride and determination, and especially thank the supporters for showing the country and the world exactly who we are. We are Newcastle and we are United."
Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, said London was turned into "Geordie land" at the weekend and it was a sight to see across the capital.
He said: "Many Londoners had not come across the Toon Army before but I saw many laughing and learning songs in great good humour. Although we didn't win the game the team did not let us down and the best is yet to come!"
Chi Onwurah, Labour MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central, is confident that the team will return to the capital to take part in another cup final at Wembley Stadium.
She said: "Whether in Newcastle or in London NUFC fans showed the passion and the strength of support the club inspires in our city and whilst the result was heart-breaking, we can all be proud of the team and the fans.
"Whether it was turning Wembley black and white, or tidying up Trafalgar Square, NUFC fans showed the world why fans are the heart and soul of the beautiful game. We will be back."
Catherine McKinnell, Labour MP for Newcastle upon Tyne North, said the club has put smiles back on the faces of those who live in the area.
She said: "Whilst the result was obviously disappointing, the team can hold their heads high. This season Eddie Howe and the team have brought smiles back to our faces and given experiences we’ll never forget.
"It was fantastic to see the pictures of Geordies turning London and Wembley black and white. The displays in Wembley and how the fans got behind the team the entire game did our city proud."
Ian Levy, Conservative MP for Blyth Valley, praised the team, including defender Dan Burn who is from Blyth, Northumberland, for their efforts.
He said: "It was an amazing weekend for the fans, the club and region. To see so many Toon fans in black and white shirts descend on our capital and party in Trafalgar Square was a site to behold.
"My commiserations go to the players on not winning the game but they can hold their heads high after a terrific performance. They will be back before too long. Of course, I'd like to single out Dan Burn who was outstanding from start to finish - a real rock."
Ian Lavery, Labour MP who represents nearby Wansbeck, said: "While the result didn’t go our way it was a fantastic occasion nevertheless. Seeing thousands of Geordie's in London makes a refreshing change and the atmosphere across the whole weekend was amazing.
"Our region did ourselves proud on and off the pitch, and the flag display organised by worflags and funded by donations was first class. Hopefully this is the first trip of many in the coming years and I’m more than sure we will be back and next time taking home the silverware."
Alan Campbell, Labour MP for Tynemouth, added: "Although I know fans will be disappointed today, getting to the final was a great achievement and shows how much the club’s fortunes are being turned around. The fans who travelled to Wembley did our region proud and hopefully this is a sign of things to come."
Richard Holden, Conservative MP for North West Durham, said: "Although sadly it wasn’t the result we were after, the boys did everyone proud. Personally, I’d like to pay tribute to every single one of the 100,000+ fans who made the journey to London - the weekend when The Toon came to London Town!
"While yesterday wasn’t Newcastle United’s day - the time will come. Newcastle have come so far in such a short space of time, getting to Wembley yesterday was the first step on a long and promising journey."
Kate Osborne, Labour MP for Jarrow, said: "I was disappointed for everyone connected with Newcastle United following yesterday’s cup final defeat. The team played their hearts out and I know the Newcastle fans at the game were greatly proud of their efforts, but it was not to be.
"The fans’ behaviour was a credit to the North East particularly the scenes of the clean up of Trafalgar Square on Saturday evening. Hopefully the club can use this cup final appearance as a springboard for greater success in the future."
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