Angel of North gets Newcastle shirt ahead of final

Thousands of Newcastle United supporters are making their way to London for the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

More than 32,000 fans will make the trip, including those without tickets to the Wembley clash, with the dream of seeing the Magpies lift their first major trophy since 1969.

The iconic Angel of the North statue in Gateshead was draped in a black and white shirt on Saturday morning, with crowds of people turning up to take photos.

Despite facing Premier League leaders Liverpool, many are hopeful of a win, including lifelong fan Lorraine Harrison who said: "I just think, if theyve got the belief that they can do it, why not?"

Without tickets for Wembley, Steph, her partner Sam, daughter Bonnie and nephew Sam went along to the Antony Gormley statue to soak up the atmosphere.

The couple said they were planning to watch the match separately because they get "too nervous".

"I got emotional when we pulled up and saw [the Angel]," said Steph.

"It just represents so much as well about pride in the city and bringing people together.

"Its more than just putting a shirt on the Angel of the North. Look at all the people whove come here today to enjoy it, its really powerful."

Sam added: "Its nice to have an occasion like this that brings people together."

Among the fans travelling to Wembley are father and son Peter and Charlie Maguire, who said they were excited to be travelling down again after making the same journey two years ago when Newcastle lost to Manchester United in the final.

Mr Maguire said to have that experience with his son was "absolutely amazing".

"Its going to be difficult, but I think youve always got to say weve got a chance because in football you never really know whats going to happen," said Charlie.

His dad added: "You have to have hope and you have to have belief."

For other fans, Sunday is about more than just the football and is a celebration of the Geordie culture.

Matty Nicholls, from Ashington, Northumberland, has had a Greggs sausage roll shaved into the back of his head to mark the occasion.

The bakery chain has its headquarters in Newcastle.

"You talk to people about Newcastle, its two things mainly - Newcastle United and Greggs," he said.

"No matter where you go down the country, everyone loves a Greggs.

"I wasnt sure if people would get it. You dont normally see sausage rolls on someones head."

Bobby Moncur, the last Newcastle United captain to lift a major trophy for the club, told BBC Radio Newcastle he hoped he lived to see the next one.

"I keep thinking, somebodys got to take this role over because it was 1969," he said.

Moncur added he would have liked to have seen Alan Shearer do it, and he nearly did when he captained Newcastle in the 1999 FA Cup final.

But the Magpies ultimately lost 2-0 to Manchester United.

"Every year goes by, sadly Im a year older and Im thinking to myself I might get to see them win a trophy," the 80-year-old said.

His message to the current team?

"Win a cup before I kick the bucket."

Shearer, writing for BBC Sport, said he "will be as nervous as any supporter".

"I know I am biased but if any set of fans deserves a trophy it is the Newcastle supporters because of their passion, their loyalty and how they have stuck by the team over the years," he said.

Newcastle United fans gathered in Trafalgar Square the night before the final in 2023, but this will not be possible this time due to an event.

Supporters have their eyes set on Covent Garden instead, however the Metropolitan Police has warned there is a Public Space Protection Order in place which covers the area and most of Londons West End.

This means police officers and council officials can confiscate alcohol in the case of disorderly behaviour.

A spokesperson for the force said: "While we know many fans will be planning to have a drink and enjoy themselves, its in everyones interest that it doesnt cross the line from celebration into antisocial or disorderly behaviour.

"Officers will intervene swiftly if it does."

Alcohol has also been banned on LNER trains on Sunday after 19:30 GMT, following advice from British Transport Police (BTP).

A spokesperson for BTP said dry trains were "nothing new" and it would mitigate "the risk of spontaneous anti-social" behaviour.

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