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      I was the last English manager to win major trophy SEVENTEEN YEARS ago… I hope Eddie Howe and Newcastle can do it today

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      IT’S a fact people remind me of with every passing year — and one I’d love to see overtaken at long last.When I won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008, I never thought we would still be waiting for the next English manager to lift silverware.Harry Redknapp lifted the FA Cup in May 2008Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdEddie Howe is dreaming of lifting silverware with the ToonCredit: GettyBut here we are, 17 years on, and still twiddling our thumbs, which is one of the reasons why I’d love to see Eddie Howe do so with Newcastle on Sunday at Wembley.Much of that, of course, is down to the infatuation with overseas coaches, which I’ve never understood because we have so many good ones of our own.And Eddie is top of that list — I would go so far to say as the nailed-on certainty to follow Thomas Tuchel as the next England boss.Admittedly, the field doesn’t have as many runners as you’d have said back in the day — you can thank owners obsessed with foreign managers for that!READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Eddie is different class and it would be great to see him win something with Toon before he moves on to even bigger things.Sadly for the Geordie Nation, I don’t think it will be on Sunday afternoon.Mind you, just imagine the celebrations if they do get over the line.Yet that would be a disaster for Liverpool fans who were dreaming of a Treble just a week ago. Those same Reds supporters would have snapped your hand off for the Premier League title last summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut I guarantee that before their Champions League exit, a few would have been muttering “is that all” too.Which is why Sunday’s big game has suddenly become massively important for Arne Slot and his team.Iconic London landmark lit up by Newcastle stars in incredible projection show ahead of Carabao Cup finalWin and it’s the first trophy in the cabinet. Lose and it becomes a week to forget in a season to remember.Seven days which started with fans buzzing but ending with them resigned to “only” winning the title.When the one bauble is the Premier League — the be-all and end-all for everyone — then anything else is always going to be a bonus.Especially when your manager is in his first season, as Slot is.After going 70 YEARS without a major domestic trophy, if any fans deserve to see their team win one it’s those Geordies.Harry RedknappThat’s not to suggest Merseyside has suddenly become the ungrateful capital of the country, though, before anyone gets on my case.It’s just an indication of how far ahead of the rest Liverpool have been this season and why, only a few days ago, their fans had hopes of winning three.That all ended with Paris Saint-Germain’s last penalty on Tuesday, when the Champions League went up in smoke.You won’t find a Geordie who wasn’t thrilled to see the game go the distance, by the way. Let’s not kid ourselves, Eddie will have been delighted with that too.Arne Slot has done an impressive job in his first season at LiverpoolCredit: AFPThe Reds crashed out of the Champions League in mid-weekCredit: RexBut the Reds have had five days to recover, Slot won’t have had them doing much in training, and with all the medical staff and care these days, they will be well over it.And what better way to put a defeat behind you than a cup final at Wembley for the first trophy of the season?It’s so evenly balanced, though. The Newcastle midfield is on a par with Liverpool’s and their forward line isn’t too shabby either.Anthony Gordon is banned but Harvey Barnes is no big drop in standards down one wing, with Jacob Murphy on the other. Plus Alexander Isak through the middle.So although Liverpool will understandably and rightly be favourites, Newcastle go there with a real chance — make no mistake about that.And let’s face it, after going 70 YEARS without a major domestic trophy, if any fans deserve to see their team win one it’s those Geordies.Sadly for the Geordie Nation, I don’t think it will be on Sunday afternoon.Harry RedknappBut ending that run means beating the best team in the country, because there’s no doubt they are up against the Premier League’s stand-out side.And Liverpool won’t want a bad week to turn into a terrible one.The big thing in their favour is the depth in the squad — Slot can make two, three or four changes and it hardly weakens his line-up.Cody Gakpo didn’t start midweek, so you would imagine he is a certainty for Wembley. That’s not exactly a step down in anyone’s book!Mo Salah is probably the only one of those forwards whose place is nailed on. It’s any two from four of the rest, and they don’t dip whoever gets the nod.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd it’s not as though Slot has to think about giving players a rest to concentrate on winning the league — let’s not beat about the bush here, that job is already done.The Kop outfit have such a huge lead it does not enter the equation and of course it’s an international break after today.Mo Salah is nailed on to start the Carabao Cup finalCredit: Getty More

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      Newcastle fans take over Covent Garden ahead of Carabao Cup final against Liverpool and bid to end 70-year trophy wait

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      NEWCASTLE fans took over Covent Garden ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.Eddie Howe’s men are looking to end a 70-year trophy hoodoo by beating the Premier League leaders at Wembley tomorrow.Newcastle fans took over Covent Garden ahead of the Carabao Cup finalCredit: GettyLoyal Geordies travelled in their thousands for the clash with LiverpoolCredit: AlamyThousands gathered in the capital for a pre-match partyCredit: AFPToon are hoping to end their 70-year trophy droughtCredit: PAFans young and old enjoyed the partyCredit: AFPIt will be Newcastle’s first final since losing the Carabao Cup to Manchester United two years.And hopes are high after thousands of dedicated Geordies travelled down to London.They are widely regarded as some of the most passionate supporters in English football.But the Magpies took things up a level as they spent Saturday partying in Covent Garden.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThousands of supporters took to the streets to toast Newcastle’s journey to the capital.A white smoke flare could be seen in the background as fans enjoyed a laugh and a drink in the popular tourist location.And the Toon faithful will be hoping their lengthy trip from the North East will be rewarded with victory at Wembley tomorrow.Newcastle will be without four senior players against Liverpool, including star winger Anthony Gordon.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe ace is serving a three-match ban after being sent off against Brighton earlier this month.Sven Botman, Lewis Hall and Jamaal Lascelles will also be absent through injury.Iconic London landmark lit up by Newcastle stars in incredible projection show ahead of Carabao Cup finalNewcastle lost the Carabao Cup final to Man Utd in 2023Credit: PAThey are desperate for success under Eddie HoweCredit: AFPNewcastle fans toasted their trip to LondonCredit: PACovent Garden was a sea of black-and-white stripesCredit: AFPFans will be hoping to still be in good spirits by tomorrow eveningCredit: GettyBut Liverpool are also suffering problems, specifically at right-back.Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley have both been ruled out.While versatile Joe Gomez is another injury absentee.Liverpool are also sweating over the fitness of Ibrahima Konate.And it means Arne Slot will have to deploy one of Jarell Quansah, Wataru Endo or even midfielder Curtis Jones on the right. More

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      ‘The chances are there’ – Alexander Isak lifts lid on Newcastle Utd transfer talks as he prepares for Carabao Cup final

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      ALEXANDER ISAK has revealed he won’t speak to Newcastle about a new deal until at least the summer.The Swede has been busy preparing for tomorrow’s Carabao Cup final and the chance to lift the Magpies’ first major silverware since 1969.Alexander Isak has said he won’t talk to Newcastle about a new contract until the summerCredit: RexIsak, 25, has three years remaining on his current deal, so there is no immediate rush to sign a new one.However, his high-level performances for the Toon have given rise to plenty of suitors who could be willing to pay top dollar.A new deal on improved terms would allow Newcastle to get a greater return on their prize asset.Isak was coy when asked about a new contract, admitting that discussions have not yet been held.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “Yeah, yeah. I think I’ve said, I’m not really thinking about the summer. “But yeah, that’ll probably be a talking point once the season is finished. “We will really see, because no talks have been held yet.”Any decision on his future may well come down to ambitions, with the likes of Arsenal and tomorrows opponent, Liverpool both reported to be interested.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut Isak insists he is not concerned about the club matching his ambitions.He said: “I mean, that’s why I came here.Inside Newcastle’s £3BILLION new stadium plans with St James’ Park project to rival Old Trafford”As I have said many times, I don’t really look too much or think too much about my future. “I have said I am happy here and we are contenders for titles, which is what you want to win as a football player. “We have been to one final and now we are in another one, so the chances are there.”Isak is Newcastle’s top scorer this season with 22 goals in all competitions, while he has netted 57 goals in 99 appearances for the club.He added: “This club can achieve great things. I think we should really look at it one season at a time, and this season we can achieve winning a trophy, which would be amazing for everyone.”About my future, it’s nothing really I think about. I’ve said many times during a season, just focus on the job, and now is probably the worst time to think about anything else. “So, all of our focus is just on Sunday and yeah, doing good and hopefully bringing the trophy back to Newcastle.” More

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      Newcastle legend gives Eddie Howe blueprint on how to beat Liverpool and finally end 70-year trophy drought

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      CHRIS WADDLE has told Newcastle boss Eddie Howe to stick to “bold” Geordie traditions to break the club’s trophyless habit of a lifetime.The Tyneside legend insists all-out attack is the only way to end a painful silverware drought and beat Premier League leaders Liverpool in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.Harvey Barnes, Leo Shahar and Co are gearing up for LiverpoolCredit: GettyEddie Howe has been told to focus on attack against Arne Slot’s menCredit: GettyChris Waddle reckons Toon fans have expectations of exciting footballCredit: RexEx-Toon and England winger star Waddle is urging Howe to order Alexander Isak and Co to get at Arne Slot’s side right from the off at Wembley.If fortune does favour the brave, it will secure Newcastle a first domestic trophy since the FA Cup 70 years ago and a first piece of silverware since the 1969 Fairs Cup triumph.“I’d love to see Newcastle end their hoodoo and I hope they do it with the fearless, exciting attacking style the club is famous for,” Waddle told SunSport.“For me, they need to be bold because Newcastle are always at their best on front foot and when they’ve tried alternative ways which are less exciting it’s not suited them.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“That’s been the case right down the years and when managers have tried to apply the brakes and exercise more caution, more often than not it’s backfired.“So, Newcastle will have to burst out of the blocks and press Liverpool from the off to try to catch them cold, get ahead early and work their socks off to stay there.“And that will get the fans plenty to shout about because that front-foot, high tempo approach is what they want to watch.“The last thing they like to see a Newcastle team park the bus at Wembley because they know the script.Most read in FootballAlexander Isak is rated as the man who could make the differenceCredit: PABEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“They don’t want to see boring football – they’ve traditionally preferred to see a 4-3 and hope and pray for the best. That’s the Newcastle way, whether we like it or not.”Waddle, 64, believes red-hot striker Isak could be the hero who brings back the glory days to Tyneside.Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-upHe said: “It will require a massive performance from Newcastle to win but I think Isak could make the difference.“I’ve always liked centre-forwards who can create and make the most of their own goal-scoring opportunities and so I love watching Isak.“He’s shown so many times that he’s capable of picking the ball up 40 yards from goal, going it alone and scoring.“That’s because he’s not only blessed with pace and dribbling ability but he’s got a really positive mindset as well which is why he suits Newcastle so much.“He will always cause opposing defenders problems and that’s why he’s vitally important to Newcastle.“The side is set up to bring the best out of him when it comes to build-up play with wingers with purpose and three adventurous midfielders who are creative and love to get in the box.”But if things do go according to plan and their team’s high-octane start pays off, Waddle reckons the Geordies could end up watching the game unfold through their fingers.He added: “Liverpool will have a bit of a hangover from the PSG game but they’ll know what they need to do.“And they showed how good they are at managing games when they beat Manchester City last month.Kieran Trippier and team-mates hope to stun the Prem leadersCredit: GettyNewcastle must try to launch relentless attacking, says WaddleCredit: Getty“They didn’t go chasing them and played a good tactical game which showed how savvy Arne Slot is.“Everyone expects Liverpool to be on the front foot, attacking everyone and pushing teams back especially at Anfield, but they’ve got other styles of play.“And they’ve got Mo Salah, who seems to be getting better with age because his sense of where to be at the right time and what strings to pull is stronger than ever.“Tino Livramento will have to have one of the best games of his life to make sure he doesn’t do the damage for Liverpool.“It will be a real game of cat-and-mouse because Salah has the licence to roam.“So the Newcastle defence will need to have eyes in their back of their heads and be alert to him as he’ll be a constant menace.”Waddle spent five years at St James’ Park, helping Newcastle win promotion to the old First Division in 1984 alongside future Toon boss Kevin Keegan who is synonymous with near-misses on Tyneside.His side was beaten to the Premier League title by Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United side.And since then they’ve reached the FA Cup final twice and the Carabao Cup Final two years ago and headed back up to the North East empty-handed on each occasion.“Sadly, there’s been decades of under-achievement at Newcastle,” Waddle added.“For the sake of the fans if nothing else I hope things change as they’ve had to have the patience of a saint.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They’ve been treated to exciting players, exhilarating seasons and but they’ve never got over the line despite investing in top individuals.“But that’s why if they beat Liverpool every single member of the team will instantly become Tyneside legends.” More

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      Iconic London landmark lit up by Newcastle stars in incredible projection show ahead of Carabao Cup final

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      NEWCASTLE have already taken over London ahead of the Carabao Cup final.Tens of thousands of Geordies will descend on the capital on Saturday for a boozy weekend as they look to end their 70-year trophy drought against Liverpool.Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes is projected on the Millbank Tower in LondonCredit: SelaDan Burn is projected on the Millbank Tower just hours before his England call upCredit: SelaJoelinton lights up the Millbank Tower in LondonCredit: SelaNewcastle’s Carabao Cup weekend started on Thursday with the incredible projection showCredit: SelaSela put on the spectacle to get fans into the spirit ahead of the weekendCredit: SelaOn Thursday night, an incredible projection display put on by Toon’s front-of-shirt sponsors Sela painted the town black and white – and kickstarted the weekend.The breathtaking show saw one of London’s major landmarks lit up with the club’s stars.Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Co were beamed onto the 390ft Millbank Tower, which sits on the banks of the River Thames near Big Ben.Highlights from this season’s Carabao Cup run, as well as animations of fans travelling from the Tyne Bridge to Wembley, set the tone for the weekend.READ MORE ON NEWCASTLEIn 2023, Sela put on a stunning drone spectacle to celebrate Newcastle’s Champions League return before the home clash against Paris Saint-Germain.The Saudi-based sponsors are donating a scarf to every Newcastle fan at the match, with both sides boasting just shy of 32,000 supporters.London pub The Dolphin – which regularly hosts Newcastle fans – has also been renamed in honour of Eddie Howe’s assistant Jason Tindall.Eddie Howe has called on his players to be “inspired” by the chance to win their first major trophy since their FA Cup triumph in 1955.Most read in FootballHe said: “I think it’s a real motivation for us to try and break that long time and that long wait that everyone’s feeling.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhy Gakpo v Isak will decide Liverpool v Newcastle Carabao Cup Final | Experts’ bets – Weekend Wager”It should be inspiring for us – not a negative. I understand it will be a negative or a perceived negative for a lot of people, but we’re trying to look at it the other way round.”It’s a chance to make history for us as a team – that’s very rare in football. You get very few opportunities to do that, a chance to be remembered positively.”I want the players to look at it that way, as I said earlier, to attack the game and to get a good representation of us.”Howe also knows what to expect from the travelling Toon Army just two years after fans took over London for the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United.He added: “I’m sure they will be [the 12th man] for us. I think they always are, they were at West Ham.”We know from the last time we got to the final, the scenes driving up to Wembley, the feeling of support and unity that we have.”The expression the fans give in every game is huge for us and yeah, we’re going to need them, we’re absolutely going to need that 50% to turn into 55% if possible.”We need every bit of help we can to push us over the line.” More

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      Why Isak and Newcastle are great value to shoot-down red hot favourites Liverpool – Weekend Wager’s best bets

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      SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager is back for another week, using in-depth stats and razor-sharp analysis to bring you the best value bets from a packed weekend of elite sport.Joining our very own Will Pugh for this week’s show is football broadcaster Kweku Afari and Betfair betting expert Sam Rosbottom.Our experts bring you the best bets from this weekend’s biggest Premier League clash, Arsenal vs ChelseaCredit: GettyMo Salah and Alexander Isak could be the stars of the show as Liverpool take on Newcastle in the Carabao CupCredit: ReutersThis week the panel gave their thoughts on how punters can make the most of the weekend’s biggest Premier League fixture – Arsenal vs Chelsea.There’s also good value in the Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle as the Toon go for their first major trophy in 70 years.The opening weekend of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is also one our our expert panel’s top talking points.Check out all our best bets for the weekend below, in association with Betfair.READ MORE SPORT STORIESArsenal vs ChelseaKweku Afari – Arsenal to win and BTTS – 13/5When I was younger Arsenal vs Chelsea, that was cash money for my beloved Blues, but in recent years it’s changed – hence my bet.I’ve got Arsenal to win and both teams to score 13-5. Arsenal are struggling in the league for consistency but we know how good of a team they are.Chelsea are winless in their past six away league games, but Arsenal are without a clean sheet in four home league matches.Most read in FootballArsenal are also unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against Chelsea.So I’ve got both teams to score but Arsenal to win.Ethan Nwaneri to score looks good value amid his red-hot run of form and Arsenal’s lack of centre forwardsCredit: GettyWill Pugh – Nwaneri to score – 9/4Although heads are going at Arsenal I do still fancy them to score, but ravaged by injuries they’re playing Mikel Merino up front – and he never even trained as a striker until a few weeks ago.I’m therefore saying the only place their goals are likely to come from is Ethan Nwaneri. He absolutely loves a shot on target but I’m going Nwaneri to score at 9-4.This will be his last ever appearance before he turns 18 and no under 18 player has ever scored in a Premier League London derby, with the only player doing so against Chelsea being James Milner for Leeds in December 2002 age 16.But I just fancy Nwaneri – he’s made of different stuff. He’s averaging 2.86 shots per 90 minutes in his last five games. I fancy him to get on the score sheet.Marc Cucurella to have at least one shot looks to be an absolute banker, according to our expertsCredit: GettySam Rosbottom – Cucurella to have 1+ shots – 7/5I could not believe the odds on this. I had to double take it and I had to ring the traders to make sure that this was correct: Marc Cucurella to have one or more shots in the match.Now that’s not a shot on target that’s just a shot… I think this is a great shout.He’s had 11 shots in his last 10 games. He’s scored in each of his last two matches as well.He is a player who you’d like him to get forward for Chelsea. He’s being very creative for them at the minute and I can just see him having a shot against Arsenal.How Newcastle can topple Liverpool with Isak’s brilliant ‘go-stop-go’ trick in cup finalCarabao Cup final – Liverpool vs NewcastleKweku Afari – Under 2.5 goals – 5/4This is a tasty final and when you mentioned Liverpool defending their crown that was a dagger through my heart because last year they beat my beloved Chelsea.Five of the past six Carabao Cup finals have seen fewer than three goals scored.Liverpool’s two Carabao Cup wins during that time which both were against Chelsea have seen the match finish goalless after 90 minutes.I’m going for under 2.5 goals in this one… cup finals are pretty boring. They’re pretty cagey.Alexander Isak will be Newcastle’s biggest threat and if they’re going to score it’s likely to be himCredit: GettyWill Pugh – Isak to score – 15/8I’m just going for a little bit more adventurous one here…If Newcastle are going to win with Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall out, I believe they’re going to be relying on their big name, big money player: Alexander Isak.He’s had a hand in four goals across his five appearances against Liverpool – that’s three goals and one assist.So I’m going Isak to score any time.Sam Rosbottom – Gakpo to score or assist 13/10I do see it being a tight, cagey game. But what I like in this one, looking at the Liverpool player, is Cody Gakpo.He has been absolutely key for them in this competition. He’s scored nine goals in 11 appearances in the League Cup.If Liverpool are to do this – which the odds suggest they will – then he’s going to be absolutely key.For him to score or assist in this game currently is a decent price.Cody Gakpo will be key to Liverpool’s success as he aims to continue his staggering Carabao Cup formCredit: AFPIndian Premier LeagueSam RosbottomIf you’re into cricket this is an absolutely fantastic competition. It’s pure action. It’s pure drama. Expect lots of big hitters and loads of sixes.Chennai Super Kings are currently joint favourites with Mumbai Indians… they’re the most successful franchises in the competition.They’ve each won it five times so there’s always a bit of a battle between the two of them. However it was the Kolkata Knight Riders who won it last year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere’s also Sunrisers Hyderabad who Pat Cummings and Travis Head have played for.Jos Buttler currently plays for the Gujarat Titans. And Jofra Archer, his Rajasthan Royals are the outsiders – he’ll need a big tournament if they’re to upset the odds.Jos Buttler is one of the huge names on show in this season’s IPL – which starts next weekendCredit: AFP More

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      Famous London pub renamed and transformed for Newcastle supporters in honour of Eddie Howe’s assistant Jason Tindall

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      FORGET the Brown Ale – it’s all about the Mad Dog & Mags for the Toon Army in London this cup final weekend.Thousands of Newcastle supporters have begun descending on the capital to watch Eddie Howe’s boys face Liverpool in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.The Dolphin in King’s Cross will be renamed Mad Dog & Mags for this weekend Carabao Cup finalCredit: Supplied by Gary StonehouseNewcastle fans will be expected to congregate at the King’s Cross boozerCredit: Supplied by Gary StonehouseThe pub has been renamed with assistant coach Jason Tindall’s nickname in mindCredit: Supplied by Gary StonehouseNewcastle assistant coach Jason Tindall is nicknamed Mad DogCredit: RexIt promises to be one big Black and White party in the build-up to Wembley and now Carling have ensured fans from the North East will feel right at home.Popular pub The Dolphin, located by Kings Cross on Tonbridge Street, has been re-named and transformed especially for Newcastle supporters.It has become the Mad Dog & Mags in honour of Howe’s assistant head coach Jason Tindall and, of course, the Toon Army themselves.Part of the Toon takeover saw the new name go up this morning as well as photos of the man affectionately known as Mad Dog.Read more football news Once inside, fans can get their pints in specially designed glasses and coasters that include Tindall, captain Bruno Guimaraes and popular defender Dan Burn plus legend Shola Ameobi.Tindall recently revealed the origin of his nickname was down to his touchline antics.The 47-year-old has worked as assistant to Howe at Bournemouth and Burnley before Newcastle but has hit the headlines and become the star of several social memes.Both opposition supporters and managers love to hate him.Most read in FootballJurgen Klopp was irked by Tindall as he claimed that the ruling regarding only one member of coaching staff to stand at the front of the technical area during matches was introduced specifically due to the Magpies.Newcastle United take possession of brand new touring coach with tailor-made interior Aston Villa’s Unai Emery appeared to snub Tindall’s handshake last term while JT was also involved in a tunnel bust-up with the Spaniard’s backroom staff this term.But his actions have made him a big hit with Newcastle fans.He said: “It was the first year we were in Saudi Arabia and we played a game there.“A guy was doing the commentary who I think was standing in for someone because the traffic was horrendous and the original commentator didn’t make it on time.“So the guy who did the commentary kept referring to me as ‘mad dog’ and it was only after the game had finished that he came up to me and asked if I could do a video message to his wife. He put it out on social media and from that moment on, it took off.”Meanwhile, win or lose, Toon supporters WILL NOT be on the booze on the train back this Sunday.Newcastle fans won’t be able to toast their success, or otherwise, on their return home on the train with a bevvyCredit: GettyLNER will be operating a strict no alcohol policy on board their trainsCredit: EPAEven if the Magpies can end a 70-year wait for major silverware then there will be no champagne corks being popped.British Transport Police made an official request for dry trains and LNER and other companies will be operating an alcohol-free policy for all departures from 7.30pm from King’s Cross.Officers and security will be on duty to enforce it and no alcohol can be brought on to or purchased on board any trains.The potential party pooping news comes after extra trains were put on to help fans get to Wembley and back from the North East.READ MORE SUN STORIESSupporters faced huge disruption due to Network Rail engineering works between Newcastle and York, with rail replacement buses servicing Durham and Darlington.LNER moved to help with the huge demand by putting on six extra services, with two of those travelling from Newcastle to King’s Cross on Sunday morning. More

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      Arne Slot ready to play Curtis Jones in brand new position with Liverpool facing Carabao Cup final crisis

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      CURTIS JONES is set to start at RIGHT-BACK for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.Arne Slot was dealt a double blow on Tuesday night as the Reds crashed out of the Champions League after Trent Alexander-Arnold limped off with a worrying injury.Curtis Jones could start at right-back for the Carabao Cup final, according to Liverpool boss Arne SlotCredit: GettyTrent Alexander-Arnold suffered a nasty-looking injury in the Champions League loss to PSGCredit: AlamyThe seemingly Real Madrid-bound England right-back, 26, appeared to hurt his ankle badly against PSG – and took four minutes to walk around the pitch and into the tunnel.The injury sparked fears he’d played his last game for Liverpool – but Slot has allayed those concerns, claiming he should return as the Reds push for only their second Premier League crown.Jarell Quansah – who was today named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad – came off the bench to fill in at right-back, with Alexander-Arnold’s talented understudy Conor Bradley already on the physio’s table.Versatile Joe Gomez is another star more than capable of playing in that position who’s also nursing a long-term injury.READ MORE SPORT STORIESBut Slot has hinted he may start Jones – a regular in Liverpool’s attacking midfield trio – on the right of a back-four as Newcastle aim to end their 70-year major trophy drought.Ahead of the Wembley showdown, Slot said: “Maybe Curtis (Jones) can play [at right-back].”Trent (Alexander-Arnold) is not available;,he won’t be there.”He is still to be assessed, but we do expect him back before the [end of the] season.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsJones has played 169 times for Liverpool – largely in attacking areas of the pitch, including left wing and as a No10.However, he has filled in THREE times at right-back before.Liverpool boss Arne Slot left with sense of shock after Champions League penalty shoot-out exit against PSG Arne Slot has lifted the lid on injuries to Alexander-Arnold and Konate ahead of the Wembley showdownCredit: PAJones started the 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Leicester in that position – when he captained the side – while also having two appearances off the bench, both in 2020, including the Community Shield penalty shootout defeat to Arsenal.Slot will be buoyed slightly by the absence of Newcastle’s star left-winger, Anthony Gordon, taking the edge of Trent’s absence.The Kop boss said: “I don’t go along with [the final being bigger for Newcastle]. If you reach a final, it is always a big moment for them and also for us.”In this part of the season – in England – it is almost impossible to have everyone fit. We have two or three injuries and that is minimum you can expect after four months of non-stop football.”So it is big compliment for us and Newcastle to have so many fit. Trent and Gordon are big players for both clubs but there are a lot of quality players for both.”Meanwhile, Liverpool have been handed an injury boost after Ibrahima Konate trained on Friday, having also hobbled off against PSG. More