The Lowe-Down

  The date was 16 th March 2025. After years of hurt, Newcastle United defeated Liverpool in the League Cup Final to win their first trophy in 70 years. I was asked to write about this Newcastle triumph and its significance. Having watched the game from my sofa, without having a horse to run in this race, I didn’t think I was the best person to provide any insight on this joyful day for Newcastle United. Thankfully, I know just the person. I caught up with life-long Newcastle fan, Robbie Cornish on what it all meant to a Geordie.   We go on about years of hurt supporting England, it was 70 years since Newcastle won a major trophy, and you’ve now overcome it, how does that feel? Plain and simple, it was the best day of my life. When I was at uni occasionally the question used to come up what would you rather; England win the world cup? Or Newcastle win the premier league? I used to say jokingly I would rather Newcastle win the Carabao Cup than England win anything. Well ...

So, here we are again. We're at that stage of the season where the tables really "don't lie". Relegations and promotions TBC. And of course, the Champions League, Europe's top prize, really starts to heat up. As Europe's top teams start to tire, Real Madrid just slip it into third gear. Ready to hit the heights, time their sprints, and clinch the Champions League with a harrowing inevitability. However, let's not let that stop us believing we can have a new winner this year. The Champions League quarter finals begin!   Arsenal vs Madrid Perhaps the most glamorous looking tie of the round. And, you know what, I get it. These team haven’t played each other in the Champions League since 2006, when Thierry Henry was tearing through the Madrid defence in a yellow Arsenal kit. Every year we see Real vs City (including this year!) so it’s nice to see two of Europe’s top teams finally face off. Arsenal arrive into this leg in so-so form. Bukayo Saka coming ...