A little over two years ago, Kieran Trippier promised that Newcastle United would indeed 'come again' in the immediate aftermath of the club's heartbreaking 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Wembley Stadium. The right-back must surely have been fully aware that he, then aged 32, may not be around to play a part in the Magpies' next cup final jaunt.
As it so happens, Trippier will most likely start at Wembley this weekend as he and his co-stars attempt to right the wrongs of 2023, f[resh off the back of a solid showing in the Premier League earlier this week](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/kieran-trippiers-subtle-newcastle-united-31176070). The defender, who had opportunities to leave Newcastle in each of the past three windows, is now on the cusp of fulfilling that vow he made two years ago.
Trippier's story is a special one, his career an exceptional one. He has won league titles in Spain, narrowly missed out on a Champions League winners' medal with Tottenham and came close to tasting ultimate glory with England at international level.
Yet he is perhaps looked upon most favourably by those on Tyneside. Whether United emerge victorious this weekend or not, whenever Trippier decides to depart Newcastle, he will be remembered as the standard setter - both on the pitch and in terms of exciting signings in the post-takeover era.
He was the first one to take the jump, swapping title challenges for relegation fights. He has stayed put despite lucrative offers for his services and one final attractive pay packet before hanging up his boots. He, more than most, deserves to become immortal in this part of the world.
Trippier will not wear the armband in the capital this weekend but will provide leadership than most of his team-mates combined. He is the most attentive, vocal and demanding of all those in black and white. One of the few in the dressing room to have been there and done it on the biggest stages.
“I’m one of the oldest in the squad,” he said this week. “So my role is just to make sure everyone's calm and relaxed. I've been making sure that everyone's relaxed in the dressing room and at the training ground. We have to stay composed and just look at it as another game.”
Howe has attempted to ensure Newcastle indeed look at Sunday's showpiece as 'just another game'. Whether his players can achieve just that remains to be seen.
However, you can be sure with someone of Trippier's ilk playing a key role in the pre-match proceedings, Newcastle are in a better position to finally taste Wembley glory this time around.