Warren Barton, a former Newcastle United great, spearheaded the push for the black and white invasion in Covent Garden.
On Saturday afternoon, as gigantic banners were stretched over the historic stone balcony of the Punch & Judy tavern in Covent Garden, amazed bystanders watched the black and white swarm grow larger by the hour.
Typically, the balcony is the ideal position for Londoners to look down at street performers while sipping a bottle of wine. Saturday was different.
One surprised and well-educated witness inquired, “Oh, is this for the rugby?” To which one black and white tourist responded: “No, it’s the Geordies, and we’re taking over for the day!”
That seemed like an understatement as screams of “EI EI EI OH Up the Premier League we go!” echoed around the main square, which was originally set out in 1630! The wait for a domestic trophy dates back to 1955, but as one supporter put it, “It’s not even about that, we’re here and we’re determined to enjoy it, we’re challenging and having a go again, that’s all we want.”
At some point, that must alter, and Newcastle must become more ambitious, and who knows? That may have altered by teatime tonight.
Just around the corner, there was hope, but also recognition that Newcastle was back. Warren Barton, the black and white cult star, told a full audience, “We’ve got our club back!” We were going nowhere in 2008 under Mike Ashley, so I joined the fans who attempted to buy the club. “It feels like we’re going places again.”
When asked about the game by Chronicle Live, Barton told me, “We have a tremendous opportunity. Obviously, key players are absent, but this allows others to stand up and seize their opportunity.
“The players are becoming legends nonetheless. Players such as Alexander Isak up front, Bruno in midfield, and huge Dan Burn are performing well and making the England squad. All I’d say to the players is, “Make us proud.”
Newcastle have suffered injuries and bans, with Lewis Hall and Sven Botman out and Anthony Gordon suspended. It means Tino Livramento may have to fill in at left-back, a duty Barton is all too familiar with after having to play there a few times in his own Newcastle tenure.
But Barton has seen what appears to be a late tactical change to deal with Mo Salah. He stated, “That will be a challenge (for Livramento), but you also have Kieran Trippier.” Tino is learning from one of Trippier’s top players.
“I watch every game. I can’t explain Tino how to cope with Salah; he’s a top player. There could be a twist in the tale, with Kieran Trippier playing left-back. He has represented England at left back. “You never know.”
John Beresford also addressed supporters at The Conduit, located just around the corner from Covent Garden. An emotional Bez said: “I just want us to have a go. The first tackle will be crucial.
“If they smash a Liverpool and there’s a reaction it could set the tone.” You will always have an affection for Newcastle, whether you are a player or a supporter. We’re back, and being a part of such an event is fantastic.
“We now hope to finally receive what we have been waiting for a long time. It’s all about small defining moments, and you can see how individuals react. We lost Hall, Gordon, and Botman for the game, but someone else has stepped up. I just want to see us win now.”
And then it was back to the pandemonium. Thousands of Geordies partied all night yesterday night. One neutral spectator put it perfectly: “My God, what’s it going to be like when you do win something?”
