In 2023, on the eve of Newcastle United's Carabao Cup final showdown against Manchester United, Dan Burn delivered a moving speech to his teammates. The atmosphere was charged as the Newcastle players seemed acutely aware of the Amazon Prime cameras documenting their journey to the club's first cup final since 1999.
Burn recited Theodore Roosevelt's 'Man in the Arena' to his fellow players as they familiarised themselves with the dressing room and the grandeur of their cup final setting.
However, their efforts were in vain as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to United, with the match essentially decided before half-time. Now, as Newcastle prepares for a return to Wembley, their approach is markedly different.
There will be no speeches or cameras, and media interactions will be kept to a minimum. In a departure from tradition, Newcastle has even decided against hosting a media open day, which previously drained the players' energy and time during a crucial week.
Reflecting on the experience, former Darlington, Birmingham, and Fulham star Burn said: "I think we have that experience of getting there now. And knowing what it took to get there.
"Obviously, we have already played Arsenal - one of the best teams in the league - but we were confident. Our fans were desperate for us to get to another final. When we reached the final a couple of years ago I feel like it was an emotional moment for the whole city.
"It has been so long since we'd been in games of that size - and subconsciously, maybe we were thinking about it.
"But we now know how important it is to focus on the here and now."
For Burn, winning a trophy would be a childhood dream fulfilled, having grown up supporting the team and watching matches from the East Stand during Sir Bobby Robson's tenure. This season has been one of his best in a Newcastle shirt, a testament to his perseverance.Burn endured a tough period last season when he was played out of position at left-back and faced criticism during a poor run of form in early 2024. Nevertheless, he has bounced back and expressed his confidence in his abilities.
"Yes, I feel confident," he said.
"I think I'm surprised that people are surprised that I was doing well at centre-half because that was my position. I still feel that I can perform as a full-back, but obviously, I've played centre-half my whole life."
The return of Sven Botman has increased competition for places, but Burn welcomes the challenge.
He added: "So I think everyone just keeps pushing each other, but yes, I feel in a good place." When questioned about his critics, Burn responded: "I think that's obviously people's opinions, isn't it?
"I think for me, I'm just really competing against myself.
"I still feel as if I'm getting better as I'm getting older. I don't really feel as if I've started to dip."
One thing is certain: Burn's hometown of Blyth will be celebrated at Wembley over the weekend. The "He's from Blyth" chant is a familiar tune among Newcastle fans, and a large banner in the colours of his beloved Blyth Spartans will be on display. Burn said: "Growing up, I always dreamt of having a song at Newcastle and hearing the fans sing it. So, yes, every time it happens, I enjoy it.
"Our fans sell out the away sections in every ground they go to.
"They have travelled through storms, train, engineering works, everything, but they are amazing."