Triumphant Toon - Chronicles of a Geordie

 

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 its now reality. It means more when it’s your own city and people and to win it the way we did beating 3 of the so called “big 6” made it even more special.

Robbie, talk to us about that day at Wembley. 

What a great day all round. I was lucky enough to be there with my brother, Mam and Dad, who have all shared the constant pain and let down of following the toon. I was there two years ago when we lost to Man United and it was still a great day out even then. But this time was different. This time we were there to finish the job, and we played Liverpool off the park. I ended up in boxpark after the game and got to see the hero of the day Dan Burn celebrating on the balcony. I can’t remember much of the night after that.

You’ve endured the dark days under Mike Ashley and you’ve come out of the other side. What’s it been like since the takeover and with Eddie Howe at the helm? 

Brilliant. I didn’t think it was possible for us to play expansive, attacking football with the players that we had when he took over, but by god he proved everyone wrong. From the outset, the mentality change was clear. We were there to compete, press and attack every single opponent no matter who it was. The real defining moment for me was Chelsea at home in Eddie’s second season. Normally, when we were beating “big 6” teams at home there was a huge chunk of luck involved. It would be backs to the wall defending and hope to nick a goal on the counter. But in this game, we were aggressive and pressed from the front allowing us to completely dominate every part of the match. It was a real “wow” moment as a fan. All of a sudden as a fan you were thinking “how far can this team go?” “Possibly champions league?” “Can we win a trophy?” As it turned out we could do both.

 

At this moment in time, you’re looking good for top five this season and a return to Champions League. What would be a good summer for Newcastle? 
Who would you bring in to improve the squad? 

Well we haven’t signed any first team players in three windows now apart from Lewis Hall who was a pre-agreed loan signing. There is absolutely no doubt that if we qualify for Champions or Europa league we need to strengthen significantly. We are teetering on the edge of decline due to an ageing squad. We need another CB desperately. After that I would go for another winger, striker and full back. If I’m totally honest we need backup all over the pitch but with PSR rules that has now become impossible.

In terms of specific signings, I would probably go for Declan Rice considering Arsenal seem so adamant that they are entitled to Isak’s signature. Maybe a swap deal for 3 magic beans?

You’ve got arguably the world’s best number 9, in Alexander Isak, playing for you. In our lifetime, you’ve had a couple of beloved number 9s in Alan Shearer and to a lesser extent Andy Carroll. Where does Isak rank in the eyes of supporters?

It is very close. There are some similarities between Isak and Shearer, the obvious one being the prolific goal numbers. However, there are also some key differences. Big Al thrived off crosses into the box, six-yard tap ins, penalties, free kicks and headers were his bread and butter. That is not really Isak’s game, he could probably have had even more than he already does this season if he just hung around the six-yard box all game and scored tap ins. But he is capable of so much more, he likes to drop deep and link up the play or run at defenders. His key asset is his pace, when he gets in behind there is no catching him, and if he gets half a chance it’s a goal.

So even though they’re both strikers they are very different, If I had to choose one in their prime I’d have to go big Al.

Looking ahead, what are your expectations for the future?

The sky is the limit. Unfortunately, these days if you want to be successful it largely depends on the size of your wallet. The good news is we have a rather large one. It just depends on the ambition of the owners and where they see the club going. I hope that they want us to win League titles, European trophies, and more domestic trophies. Whether that is really the case or not only time will tell.    

I know some of your mates are Arsenal fans. Who wins the Premier League first, Newcastle or Arsenal?

Silly question. Newcastle.