Bobby Moncur, captain of the 1969 Fairs cup winning team (L) holds up the Carabao cup with Darren Eales CEO of Newcastle United
Newcastle United have held another high-level board meeting to discuss next weekend's Carabao Cup trophy parade. There remains hope that an open top bus parade can be arranged.
Chronicle Live understands that the club's initial preference was always to hold an open top bus parade but the final decision has to be made by Northumbria Police and Newcastle City Council. It is believed that Northumbria have cancelled all leave next Saturday when the Town Moor event is set to be staged.
Concerns over a parade clashing with a busy shopping afternoon are understood to have been raised, hence the lack of announcement. A bus parade was popular in 1993 when the club won promotion and even in 1998 and 1999 after FA Cup final defeats at Wembley when the trophy-less team greeted fans regardless through the streets.
Our information is that the club are trying to get the authorities to reconsider a bus parade. Northumbria Police also have concerns about the fact that Millwall face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light and fans of the Lions will be arriving into the city centre on the same day by train causing another potential issue.
Newcastle chiefs want to pacify supporters who want a more traditional parade and are working closely with key decision makers. A further announcement could be made this week.
As things stand, the Town Moor event is the only one planned. Some supporters are unhappy that this is an event which people need to register for, with no guarantee that you will be granted access.
A United statement read last week: "United will celebrate the club’s historic Carabao Cup Final victory with a free open-air event on Saturday 29th March. Supporters will get the chance to see Eddie Howe and the first team players with the cup for the first time since last Sunday’s famous win at Wembley.
"Set around a large main stage on the Town Moor, adjacent to the Great North Road, the open-air event will be free to attend. Supporters are asked to register their interest to assist with planning.
"It will feature a DJ, live band, ‘Road to Wembley’ highlights, a screening of the full cup final and special guests.
"The team will then proudly lift the Carabao Cup on stage – presenting the club’s first domestic trophy for 70 years to the city. The celebrations will close with a spectacular show from club partner Sela and further event details will be published ahead of the show."
It is believed that despite the announcement on Friday all the plans are not yet finalised.