Newcastle supporters had waited such a considerable time for a real celebration, it was destined to be unforgettable.
Perhaps they had almost forgotten the joy of winning silverware, but they certainly hadn`t lost the knack for throwing a party – as everyone witnessed recently.
This is excellent news because manager Eddie Howe is crafting something truly special, and I believe these fans will have much more to celebrate going forward.
Much bigger achievements than just the Carabao Cup, with all respect given, as I see this trophy as merely the beginning.
They definitely won’t have to wait another 70 years for their next domestic trophy!
While I`m not predicting an immediate Premier League title win – they still need about three quality signings to consistently challenge teams like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal over a whole season – they are undoubtedly getting closer.
Eddie, who unfortunately was hospitalized this week after feeling unwell and will be absent from today`s match against Manchester United, has my best wishes for a swift recovery.
And I`m sure all Newcastle fans join me in those wishes – which should silence anyone who thought Eddie was just a temporary appointment until a more high-profile foreign manager became available after the Saudi takeover.
Whether that was ever the initial plan, I can`t say, but four years later, the only move I foresee Howe making from St James’ Park is to the England national team job.
The search for Thomas Tuchel`s successor, when that day arrives, will be straightforward, although I don’t believe Newcastle fans should be concerned just yet.
That`s for the future.
For the present, the priority is confirming that this success is sustainable, not just a fleeting moment.
Following the Saudi acquisition, there was considerable buzz about the world`s wealthiest club taking off, and their Champions League qualification two seasons ago seemed to confirm that trajectory.
However, despite a notable victory against Paris Saint-Germain, their progress stalled, and after dropping from fourth to seventh in the Premier League, concerns arose about Eddie`s future.
Fortunately, the key decision-makers maintained faith in him as the right person, and now, virtually everyone agrees.
Actually, there was one dissenting voice… a radio pundit I heard suggesting Howe wasn`t the right man to lead them forward after winning the League Cup. Utter nonsense!
Naturally, they must ensure the Wembley victory is not an isolated event, and Newcastle can only prove their consistency over time. But what convinces me of their potential is Howe`s approach.
From the outset, he stated it wouldn`t be a spending spree on the biggest names simply because funds were available, and he demonstrated this by making Kieran Trippier his first signing.
When Dan Burn, considered a journeyman player until then, arrived shortly after, fans weren`t exactly thrilled with the new acquisitions.
Ask them now, however, and you`ll receive a very different response. And let`s not forget that despite the squad`s growing list of stars, the fact that many players have elevated their status at Newcastle speaks volumes.
Alexander Isak is a world-class forward who could compete with any in the game, while Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali are elite midfielders.
Anthony Gordon is among the best wingers currently, and young full-backs Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have both earned England caps since joining.
However, for me, Trippier has been the standout performer and the kind of leader every manager desires.
The second leg of the League Cup semi-final perfectly illustrated this, as he charged into the first challenge and set the tone. Arsenal were never in the contest after that.
And Burn is simply incredible. From playing at clubs like Yeovil, Birmingham, and Wigan to being man of the match at Wembley and earning an England cap. What an amazing journey!
There have been more famous names brought in since – most of them, in fact – but Eddie understood the necessity of starting with strong characters. And they don’t come much stronger than those two.
He is aware of the crucial summer ahead, and keeping Isak, who is attracting interest from numerous top European clubs, must be a priority.
Securing a Champions League spot will certainly help, and with England potentially having five teams in the competition next season, Newcastle has a strong chance of being among them.
Now, these incredible Newcastle fans are already starting to dream – and this time, their hopes might just turn into reality.
