Dan Burn of Newcastle United during the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium
Dan Burn delivered on his dad David's words to help Newcastle United win the League Cup final
"That will be my lad, my Dan, on the world stage, showing who he is: a great footballer and an even better bloke." Dan Burn's father, David, wrote those words about his son before the Carabao Cup final in 2023 and they have become even more poignant two years on.
Newcastle United lost to Manchester United on that occasion at Wembley Stadium. However, 24 months later, Burn showed what a great footballer he is on the world stage.
The defender headed home a Kieran Tripper corner just before half-time to put Newcastle ahead against Liverpool in the 2025 final. However, that was not his goal in a final - as his dad put it two years earlier, "remember son, you've already won, and scored, at Wembley" - after previously doing so playing for Yeovil Town in the 2013 League One play-off final against Brentford.
Burn's team won 2-1 on that occasion and did so again 12 years later, with Alexander Isak doubling Newcastle's advantage before Federico Chiesa scored a late consolation goal. The one difference between then and 2025, though, is he was named man of the match after this latest Wembley success.
Coming days after his first England call-up, David has plenty of new material for any updated letter to his son. Below is the full open letter published by The Athletic before the 2023 League Cup final:
David Burn, Dan Burn's dad
Dear Dan,
When I walked up Wembley Way with you, a mere seven-year-old, on my shoulders en route to the FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea in 2000, who could have predicted that the next time Newcastle would be fighting for a cup there, I'd be in the stands, watching my son in those gorgeous black-and-white stripes?
It was only ever going to be this club for you.
After all, you and Jack, your brother, drew teams out of a hat to decide which matches the pair of you would go to with our East Stand season ticket. Tyne-Wear derbies, top-of-the-table clashes and Champions League nights — you saw it all under Sir Bobby Robson.
For your own football journey, first there was Blyth Town — I'm still puzzled you decided to be a keeper — and then Spartans. A left-back to begin with — I suppose you've come full circle! — then a centre-half, you won everything going.
Those two years as a junior at Newcastle's Centre of Excellence coincided with a growth spurt, when you struggled to adapt to your changing body. That letter on Christmas Eve, releasing you as a 14-year-old, was gut-wrenching.
But it never held you back. You made sure you made it.
You pushed trollies at Asda and grafted in non-League with Darlington before Everton and Fulham came calling. For your medical, I told you to "look the part". In hindsight, perhaps wearing suits might not have been the best idea, seeing as you had to undress about 15 times. Then there was Yeovil — remember son, you've already won, and scored, at Wembley — Birmingham and Wigan.
Away from football, you married your childhood sweetheart, Roz, and started a beautiful family, only to move about as far away as possible to Brighton!
When the takeover happened, you told me: "That's that, Dad. They're never going to sign Brighton's Dan Burn." Then the speculation started and it was unbearable because I so wanted it to be true.
That night you came back, when I was stood alongside you in the boardroom, it moved me to tears. Your debut against Aston Villa topped it. Captaining (briefly) against Brentford was another level still.
That's before we think about the quarter-final… I was so proud I can barely put it into words.
Newcastle United Carabao Cup WINNERS 2024/25
At last, Newcastle have their hands on silverware!
After an agonising 56-year wait, the Magpies' amazing army of fans can celebrate watching their side lift a trophy after their Carabao Cup final win. And to celebrate, the Newcastle Chronicle have produced this souvenir special, marking the Wembley triumph.
It is packed full of reaction, analysis and quotes as well as amazing pictures from the day, and a centre-spread poster.
It is the perfect souvenir of an historic day for Newcastle.
Buy now and have it delivered directly to your door. Alternatively you can purchase in most supermarkets, high street retailers and independent newsagents in the North East from March 20, 2025.
I still can't believe I wasn't there, instead, I was watching from a bar in Spain, but it doesn't diminish it one bit. Seeing you slalom in from the left and caress the ball in with your right foot, at the Gallowgate End, with a finish Alan Shearer would be proud of — I've watched it hundreds of times since and I still can't quite believe it. That was just so special.
Since then, I find myself driving places and suddenly I have a massive smile on my face because I remember that goal.
Newcastle brought you home and you bloody deserved that chance. You are still the very same lad; the best father, husband, brother and son we could all wish for. Nothing has changed you. You're still Dan from Blyth, with the same mates who have followed you all the way and everyone can see that.
Your resilience, your perseverance, should be an inspiration to every young kid in the north east. You are no Peter Beardsley, but you proved that sheer determination and hard work can take you far. As our fellow fans sing, "You'll never, ever beat Dan Burn."
You are living the dream of so many and you understand that responsibility.
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Sat on my shoulders 23 years ago, you were excited and euphoric walking up Wembley Way. This time it's my turn. In the stands, I'll be donning your match-worn shirt from the quarter-final, the one you saved especially for me. I'm welling up just thinking about the moment you run out…
That will be my lad, my Dan, on the world stage, showing who he is: a great footballer and an even better bloke.
I wish I could bottle up this feeling I have because it would make me millions if I sold it. I'm so immensely proud of you son.
Love Dad