William Osula takes a selfie with Ant and Dec as Newcastle United parade the Carabao Cup trophy
William Osula takes a selfie with Ant and Dec as Newcastle United parade the Carabao Cup trophy
"We want to go on a night out with William Osula!" shouted one half of Geordie loyalty, Ant McPartlin, as he interviewed some very excitable Newcastle United players on an open top bus parade around the city. Safe to say Osula, who has not yet managed to become a regular in this Magpies' side, was enjoying this historic occasion more than most.
Osula was jumping up and down, scarf wrapped around his head, looking out onto a sea of black and white. The young striker, who could have a big future at this club and currently plays a huge part behind the scenes in this close-knit dressing room, will want to experience more afternoons such as this one going forward.
At the opposite end of the bus stood Eddie Howe; United's gaffer and the man who shoulders most responsibility for United's triumph at Wembley Stadium earlier this month. It is no surprise he was at the rear, as opposed to wanting to take centre stage, as he maintains his ever-present modest persona.
Even in an interview with the BBC, moments after stepping off the bus at the Town Moor, the Newcastle boss was calling for focus, improvement and consistency. "It's difficult in football because everyone wants the same thing. We just need to keep our standards really high, our work ethic needs to improve if anything, and we need to continue to do the basics - that doesn't change," Howe said.
After the festivities of this weekend, Howe will be hammering that message into his players once again. 10 more cup finals are on the way in the Premier League. However Saturday was a time for celebration - just as the Newcastle boss wanted after defeating Liverpool.
"There has to be a big celebration," Howe said minutes after winning the cup in the capital. "I certainly will be encouraging it, which is very rare for me, usually I'm the other way. We have to celebrate, hopefully with our supporters, with everyone that's waited so long.
"It is difficult as it's international duty. Players will be going off here, there and everywhere. There won't be long to spend together but hopefully it will be really enjoyable."
It certainly was an enjoyable one. Crowds flocked to the city centre and the town moor hours before the official start time, St James' Park was a busy as it was on the famous takeover evening and in the aftermath of the Carabao Cup final, and fans young and old revelled in an occasion many have not ever seen the likes of. Lampposts were climbed, flags waved and tears shed - again.
"It's been a long wait, but I'll tell you what, it has absolutely been worth it," said Declan Donnelly as he hosted those incredible proceedings on the open top bus. Looking around the city on Saturday, it certainly looked worth it.