WEMBLEY WEEKEND PLANS ARE BEING FORMULATED BY NEWCASTLE UNITED'S DIEHARD SUPPORTERS 15:29, 21 Feb 2025Updated 07:58, 22 Feb 2025 Newcastle United's 2025 Wembley visit promises to

be a very different experience to the 2023 version - for a plethora of reasons. From the players on the pitch, to Eddie Howe and his team's pre-match preparation, to the festivities

enjoyed by supporters in and around the all important 90 minutes. Hopefully the end result proves to be different this time around too. Howe admits Wembley 2.0 will see him, his staff and

his players alter their preparations ahead of the big day, given that the ill-fated trip two years ago brought with it a string of lessons for the Newcastle boss. As such, changes in terms

focus, and not become tired because of the long build-up. There’s definitely things that, as a club, we can look at and improve. Meanwhile, the Trafalgar Square experience proved to be one

of the more memorable moments of the 2023 visit to the capital, with thousands of fans flocking to the Central London location, joined by some incognito board members, to revel in the fact

their lengthy wait for a cup final visit had came to an end. This time around, there will be no repeat of those exciting pre-match scenes with the Square closed for a St Patrick's

parade, meaning it looks like it will fall on Covent Garden to play host to raucous Newcastle supporters in the build up to the Wembley showpiece. The Magpies' official supporters'

club [NUSC] this week confirming positive talks with police in the capital to ensure the tourist attraction can welcome thousands of those draped in black and white. But is a collective

meeting place really required this time around? It was notable in 2023 that Manchester United supporters did not flock to any one particular venue - and barely any supporters dressed in Red

Devils' merchandise were spotted anywhere near Wembley until a few hours before kick-off. Meanwhile Liverpool, who have won 10 League Cups, are yet to make plans to congregate in London

either. These clubs have been there and done it. They are used to these Wembley weekends and some would argue the spectacle means less given their vast history winning trophies. Last time

around, there was certainly a feeling among the Newcastle contingent that they were simply happy to be there. It once again raises the question of whether north east supporters need to take

the emotion out of the game, worry less about the occasion and focus on simply ending their trophy hoodoo which stretches all the way back to 1955. Charlotte Robson, a key part of the True

Faith Podcast, is one of the fans torn about Trafalgar Square but is leaning in favour of a large meet up not being totally necessary this time around. "The fact that there's no

Trafalgar Square is a bit sad because it was such a great thing to be a part of," she told Chronicle Live. "Geordies erecting tents and coming together before such an exciting

occasion. That is special. But maybe the energy will be used in Wembley this time? "I think fans will be everywhere all over the city that weekend. I don't think one communal spot

is necessary. I know different fan groups are organising pub meet ups and things like that. "Ultimately, 30,000 of us are going to be at Wembley by 4:30pm on the Sunday - that’s the

most important meet up of all." Of course, the 2023 final didn't go to plan for Howe and his side. A vastly more experienced Manchester United side stole a two-goal lead early on

and never looked like throwing it away. As such, the Newcastle faithful were left heading home downbeat - propped up only by the fact many had seen their side play in a Wembley final for the

first time, with those premature Trafalgar celebrations acting as the most positive aspect of the weekend. But does this time really feel different? United have certainly come on from their

previous failure but a lack of first-team arrivals in recent windows - coupled with the fact it is Liverpool and not Tottenham Hotspur in the final - means lingering doubts remain over

righting the wrongs of two years ago. Internally, the message is one of positivity and optimism, especially from captain Bruno Guimaraes. "We're more used to it [now], a second

time in three years is very good for the team," he said recently. "It's something we're getting used to and we’re hopeful we can win this one." Matty Renton, who

runs The Magpie Channel on YouTube and is hosting an event in Boxpark Wembley before the final, certainly feels the difference this time around, telling Chronicle Live: "You can feel

from the players and the crowd it hasn’t been as emotional or as pressurised as last time, even the quarters two years ago was such a big deal. "Everyone realises how much we need this

but how much we’ve learnt from the previous final to try and get the job done. I'm in two minds about Trafalgar Square; on one hand it’s a shame as it was quality last time out. But we

want the weekend to be about winning, not just partying. Plenty of partying at full time for a long time... hopefully!" With Covent Garden potentially acting as this year's

Trafalgar, there will be other fans who want to do things differently. Just as Howe's players attempt to change the feeling around simply reaching the final, as opposed to winning the

full thing, some supporters will be seeking a more low key trip down south this time - and thankfully won't be short of options around the city. "Last time there was definitely a

happy to be here sort of feeling and after not being in a final for over 20 years it’s hard to blame fans," Newcastle United Supporters' Trust [NUST] and Wor Flags member Adam

Stoker told Chronicle Live. "This time while we’re all obviously thrilled to be back there, definitely a feeling that it’s not the getting there that’s the achievement it’s what happens

on the day. "I think there’s a noticeable difference in the supporters mindset compared to last time. It feels like supporters are ready to see Newcastle United do something that 99%

of our supporters haven’t, and see us win a domestic trophy." On the Trafalgar debate, Adam added: "I think it’s nice for people to just do their own thing this time. Both

ourselves at NUST as well as NUSC have done an amazing job of booking venues ahead of time for Newcastle fans so while you might not see 10k out in one place I’m sure wherever we go it’ll be

black and white everywhere. I’m sure for those fans who just head wherever the night may take them there will be many Geordie accents within earshot." Article continues below The big

day is fast approaching and plans are being finalised. Hopefully this time around the pre-match scenes are dwarfed by the post-match celebrations when Howe's side get the job done.