As Newcastle United fans head down to Wembley this weekend, we will have our own plans, which we hope will culminate in a fantastic Sunday evening.
Having witnessed five Wembley failures now, I travel much calmer this time.
I will have a few beers on Saturday and pre-match Sunday, but having been present in 2023, I did feel that a huge amount of Geordies had completely blown themselves out prior to getting into the stadium.
Conceding two relatively early goals probably didn’t help but there were a few alcohol related hangovers commencing shortly after kick off.
Energy and enthusiasm visibly draining away.
Have a great time with your mates but…
For some Newcastle United fans it will be their first Wembley experience and I do seem to recall that in 1976 I went a bit over the top on the beer prior to kick off! Consequently, I can recall very little of the day, or perhaps that’s just my age.
Who am I to advise hard working, loyal supporters?
But the cup final isn’t about taking over King’s Cross Station or Covent Garden, although there is much fun to be had at such locations.
It isn’t about who makes the most noise on the Tube, nor is it about the three hours of jumping up and down in the Boxpark.
Participate in all of the above and cherish the moment, but the important time is about 4.25pm on Sunday, when the teams emerge.
Use the pre-match beer and the atmosphere to drive you to make noise; lots of noise. Maintain the noise, have some energy in reserve.
If they score, make some noise; don’t just slump in your seat suddenly feeling the effects of nine pints.
Talking of nine pints though, should they win…
