EDDIE Howe hailed Newcastle’s “incredible” League Cup final victory against Liverpool as proof his span are ready for a period of sustained success after finally ending their 56-year trophy drought.
Newcastle produced a geharde display to beat Premier League leaders Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley on Sunday, securing the Magpies’ first major prize since the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
After celebrating with 32 000 jubilant Newcastle fans packed into one half of Wembley, Howe and his manne kept the party going in the dressing-room.
The euphoric celebrations included dousing Howe with champagne and beer as the magnitude of delivering Newcastle’s first significant domestic prize since the 1955 FA Cup started to sink in.
For a composed, erudite figure like Howe to arrive at his post-match press conference still soaked and reeking of dop underlined just how much Newcastle were letting themselves go after one of the greatest days in the history of a proud but so often underachieving club.
Howe says: “If you can smell a strange smell that’s me. I was drenched in alcohol by Joelinton and some of the others!
“There has to be a celebration. I will certainly be encouraging it. That’s not usual for me.
“I urge everyone to enjoy it. We’ve had some people who have worked for this club for a long time and it's great to see them so happy.
“That is what is all about, you have so many difficult days in football and this club has had its share.
“The curse stuff for me never existed. It was in our hands.
“It’s a victory for the club and the city - for everyone who has given loyalty to the club and seen some really disappointing days for a number of decades.
“Since I’ve been at the football club their support has been incredible. I’m so pleased they have this trophy to end the long wait and hopefully we can get more in the future.”