There was no champagne or post-match party following the Carabao Cup semi-final win over Arsenal on Wednesday – but Confidential can reveal that Dan Burn DID perform his dance for team-mates and staff!
The Geordie defender first let loose with his now famous routine following a 2-0 win over Leicester in the quarter-final of the same competition two years ago, in which he scored his first goal for the club. I’m told the squad returned to the dressing room after Wednesday’s 2-0 victory and Eddie Howe addressed the players as he usually does.
It was then that Newcastle’s stars and backroom staff urged Burn to take to the floor, which he duly did to much laughter and applause. There was also the customary team celebration picture which, on the say-so of Howe, they did not take after the first leg win at the Emirates Stadium.
Meanwhile, the music played in the dressing-room was very appropriate – Change This Pain For Ecstasy by Rex the Dog!
After 70 years of hurt since the club’s last domestic trophy, there certainly would be a feeling of ecstasy were Howe and his team to bring home the cup next month.
But while the players did not party, some of the hierarchy certainly did. Chief executive Darren Eales and chief commercial officer Peter Silverstone were spotted in The Stack with co-owner Jamie Reuben, toasting the win long into the night.
Dan Burn’s famous dance – which he repeated in the dressing room after the win over Arsenal
The defender was egged on by his team-mates, who also took their customary team photo
Eddie Howe had insisted that there was no team photo until after the second leg at Arsenal
DELAYED PARADE?
But on the subject of bringing home the cup, I’m told there is a strong possibility that plans for a victory parade will be delayed until the end of the season.
It may feel like tempting fate, but the club will have to make a decision before the final, given logistics and the involvement of the local authorities and emergency services.
However, because the game is immediately followed by an international break, the possibility of players missing out, sources say, is likely to mean a homecoming procession would be delayed.
The only option available to Newcastle would be to make plans for a Monday parade in the city, but that would also need conversations in advance with various national FAs.
Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall will likely be joining up with England at St George’s Park ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s first game in charge against Albania on Friday, March 21.
Newcastle fans flooded Wembley Stadium in 2023 for the League Cup final against Man United
Any potential parade would likely have to be held at the end of the season to allow all players to take part
But it is the availability of captain Bruno Guimaraes that will present the biggest headache, given he has a key World Cup qualifier for Brazil against Colombia in Brasilia on Thursday, March 20.
Unless, of course, the open-top bus runs from St James’ Park to Newcastle Airport and Bruno is sent on his way by 100,000 Geordies!
Newcastle are aware of the situation and discussions are ongoing.
ST JAMES’ TO THE RESCUE?
It was not the news I wanted to reveal at Mail Sport on Thursday, that Newcastle supporters will NOT be able to gather in Trafalgar Square on the eve of the final.
The landmark location in central London will be closed on Saturday March 15 to allow for set up ahead of the city’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations on Sunday March 16, the day of the game.
It will mean fans needing to organise a mass meet-up in a different area, and the nearby Covent Garden and the streets around it have been suggested as one likely alternative.
Newcastle fans took over Trafalgar Square last time, but the plaza will be closed this year
The square will be shut for St Patrick’s Day preparations in London
But there is also (and this makes perfect sense for one obvious reason) St James’ Park!
That is just down the road from Trafalgar Square and is an open green space with plenty of room, as well as a nice view of Buckingham Palace.
It is a shame, though, because nothing comes close to the vast space of Trafalgar Square and its iconic setting.
The square will be open for six hours on the day of the game, with live music and parades from 12pm to 6pm, but the much-anticipated Saturday night festivities will not be possible.
BOTMAN RELIEF
Sven Botman has NOT suffered a serious recurrence of his knee injury and should be fine for Newcastle’s next Premier League fixture at Manchester City.
There was concern on Wednesday night when Eddie Howe revealed the defender was forced off with a knee issue in the 80th minute against Arsenal.
Sven Botman was forced off against Arsenal with a knee issue but it is not a serious injury
Having only just returned from a 10-month ACL layoff in January, the news was met with apprehension by supporters.
However, I’m told that Botman was going about his recovery as normal on Thursday and, while he may not be risked at Birmingham in the FA Cup fourth round this weekend, he is expected to be available for the trip to City a week on Saturday.
END GAME
One thing that will be certain following Thursday’s second semi-final between Liverpool and Tottenham is the area of Wembley Stadium in which Newcastle’s fans will be housed.
Confidential can reveal that, if it’s Liverpool in the final, the Toon Army will be in the West Stand, which is where they were two years ago against Manchester United.
Newcastle took over Wembley’s West Stand two years ago – and will return there if they face Liverpool in this year’s final
The West Stand was a sea of black and white as the Magpies came to town
Newcastle are anticipated to get 33,000 tickets for the final, regardless of opposition
If it is Spurs in opposition, Newcastle’s following will be in the East Stand.
To simplify, it means that on approach from Wembley Park Underground, you turn right at the end of Olympic Way for the West Stand and left for the East Stand.
It is anticipated Newcastle will be allocated 33,000 tickets for the final, regardless of the opposition.
ON YOUR MARKS…
What is the kick-off time? The EFL say that will be decided following Thursday’s second semi-final, but my sources say Newcastle’s participation means a repeat of the 4.30pm start of 2023 – or slightly earlier – is most likely.
That allows supporters to get to the capital in good time from the North East on the day of the game, and still make their trains home on Sunday evening.
The kick-off time is likely to be 4.30pm to allow Newcastle fans time to travel down to London
TRAIN PAIN
And here is some mixed news on the travel front. Network Rail and LNER are working together to provide more train services over the weekend of the final, but they will not be removing the restrictions that are currently in place.
Engineering works mean that trains between Newcastle and Kings Cross will be running at close to four hours, as opposed to the usual two hours 50 minutes. They are also already sold out.
However, I have spoken to both Network Rail and LNER and it is hoped additional trains will be scheduled. The bad news is they won’t be very fast!
A Network Rail spokesperson told Confidential: ‘Engineering work of this nature is planned years in advance, and this project is a key part of Darlington station’s £140m regeneration.
More trains will need to be laid on to get all fans in as the current services are all sold out
‘It would cost several million pounds of taxpayers’ money to change these plans, causing a delay to the Darlington station project into 2026 – meaning it would also miss this year’s celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.
‘There would be a knock-on effect on other engineering projects too, bringing lengthy delays and causing much greater levels of future disruption.
‘However, we are working closely with LNER to see as many services as possible run on the weekend of the League Cup Final, to help Newcastle United supporters on their way to Wembley.’
Still, at least we can all enjoy 200 years of the modern railway… I bet the trains were quicker in 1825!
TRAVEL SMART
Here is a funny story for you on the subject of Wembley travel. In the days after the first leg, I bumped into a member of Newcastle’s football staff and they remarked to me how the tie was ‘delicately poised’.
I returned a blank expression. Only later did I have the heart to tell them that I’d already booked trains and a hotel for my wife and children… which was a wise ploy!
Toon fans will be desperate for victory at Wembley to win a first domestic trophy in 70 years
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The secrets to Newcastle’s fuelling programme ahead of this week’s semi-final can be revealed, with several first-team stars eating out in the city.
Sandro Tonali was spotted at Dabbawal in Jesmond, the Indian street food haunt that has long been a favourite of Toon players.
He certainly gave a spicy performance against the Gunners in his midfield battle with Declan Rice.
Meanwhile, the likes of assistant boss Jason Tindall, Fabian Schar, Sean Longstaff, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie were at the swanky new Eatflix venue in Heaton.
Sandro Tonali prepared to beat Arsenal at Indian restaurant Dabbawal in Jesmond
‘Eatflix’s mission is to deliver 5D movie magic all year round, with customers sitting down, not just to watch a film, but have a whole dining experience themed around it,’ states the eatery. Think Home Alone and cheese pizza!
TOON TEASER!
It’s Toon Teaser time. Last week’s puzzler was… can you name the TEN players to have played for Newcastle and Derby since 1992?
The answers were; Warren Barton, Leon Best, Dwight Gayle, Andy Griffin, Jeff Hendrick, Paul Kitson, Shefki Kuqi, Rob Lee, William Osula, Laurent Robert.
This week’s question is: can you name the SEVENTEEN players to have played for Newcastle and Birmingham since 1992? Good luck!
