The wait to end a trophy drought will finally come true for one of Manchester United or Newcastle on Sunday.
Newcastle haven’t won a major title since the 1955 FA Cup and a resurgent fan base heads to Wembley on Sunday expecting the best.
Eddie Howe’s side take on Manchester United in the Wembley final on Sunday at 18:30.
Newcastle United winning a trophy is more important than Champions League qualification, says the club’s record goalscorer Alan Shearer.
“I love the football club and what Eddie is doing, and I just want them to win it for the fans,” said Shearer.
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, Shearer, who scored 206 goals for Newcastle between 1996 and 2006, added: “I can’t wait. It has been a long time, too long, I’m excited, just like the rest of the Toon Army.
“I’m going there with friends and family, it’s going to be a good day – if we win.
“I’m there as a fan on Sunday, that drive up to Wembley way when you can see the Newcastle fans – it’s the only time I wish I could put my boots back on.
“I’m now one of them and I appreciate what they’re about and what they’ve been through.
“I was at both semi-finals and Southampton away, I sat looking at the crowd more than the game. I’m just amazed by their passion to travel 330 miles from Newcastle to Southampton then work the next morning.
“I want Newcastle to win for the fans, where they’ve been, what they’ve had to put up with and how long it has been.
“I can picture the scenes if Newcastle win that trophy.”
Newcastle are fifth in the Premier League, eight points and two places behind Manchester United in third.
However, Eddie Howe’s side will have to do without regular goalkeeper Nick Pope after his red card against Liverpool, while second-choice keeper Martin Dubravka is cup-tied having played for Manchester United in the competition during a loan spell at Old Trafford.
United warmed up with a 2-1 win over Barcelona to advance to the next round of the Europa League.