In the heart of Newcastle, where the grand St James' Park towers over the city like a sacred shrine, statues of the club's legends stand as silent witnesses to the Magpies' long and storied history.

For generations of Geordies, these bronze figures are more than mere sculptures—they are symbols of hope, nostalgia, and an undying connection to a football club that has endured decades of heartache.

Among them, Jackie Milburn's statue holds a special place in the hearts of those who remember Newcastle United's golden era. 'Wor Jackie,' as he is affectionately known, was the hero of the 1955 FA Cup final, scoring in the very first minute to set the Magpies on course for a 3-1 victory over Manchester City.

That triumph was Newcastle's sixth FA Cup title and their third in five years. But since then, the club's trophy cabinet has gathered nothing but dust, aside from the now-defunct Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969.

Over the years, Newcastle have come agonisingly close to reclaiming glory. Under Kevin Keegan's leadership in the mid-90s, they famously squandered a 12-point lead in the Premier League, ultimately finishing second to Manchester United. FA Cup final heartbreak followed in 1998 and 1999, and more recently, the Magpies fell to Manchester United in the 2023 League Cup final despite the financial boost from the club's Saudi-backed ownership.

But now, a new hope emerges. As Newcastle prepare to face Liverpool in another high-stakes final tonight, fans dare to dream again. The city is buzzing with cup final fever—children have been given permission to ditch school uniforms in favour of black and white stripes, and thousands will descend upon London with dreams of witnessing history.

At the heart of Newcastle's resurgence is Swedish striker Alexander Isak, who has netted 22 goals in 32 appearances this season. Though he admits to being unfamiliar with much of Newcastle's football folklore, he understands the weight of expectation. "I think you find out quite quickly about the greats and the history of the club," he said. "I'm trying to create my own history."

Midfield maestro Bruno Guimaraes, still haunted by the tears of their last final defeat, is determined to rewrite the story. "I want tears of happiness this time," he declared. "We want to make thousands and thousands of Geordies happy."

With their loyal supporters behind them and a squad brimming with belief, could this finally be Newcastle's moment? The Magpies have waited 69 years for silverware—on Sunday, they have the chance to end the drought and give their city the celebration it so desperately craves.