Back in 1995, Sir John Hall, Newcastle United chairman at the time, said of his club: "We are like the Basques, we are fighting for a nation, the Geordie nation. Football is tribalism and we are the Mohicans."
Perhaps Sir John was getting a bit carried away but it might explain why Newcastle fans are excited about taking on Manchester United in the Carabao Cup (League Cup) final at Wembley tomorrow.
You can understand the enthusiasm of the Magpies' long-suffering supporters.
Newcastle are in desperate need of silverware and their club hasn't achieved any for a very long time.
The League Cup might seem a relatively minor trophy and in the past has even been termed "worthless."
But it's definitely not worthless if you win it -- ask Pep Guardiola who was happy enough to claim the trophy four seasons in a row with Manchester City.
For many years, Newcastle have been dubbed a "sleeping giant" but that has changed under the new regime with Eddie Howe at the helm backed by the Saudi treasure chest.
The club has spent wisely in the transfer market and it has paid off with them currently holding fifth place in the Premier League.
But Newcastle unfortunately face a totally unexpected problem.
This has come courtesy of goalkeeper Nick Pope getting himself a silly red card for handling outside the area against Liverpool last weekend, meaning he will miss tomorrow's final.
Pope has been in excellent form but that one error has put his club in a real spot because Newcastle's two main back-up keepers are ineligible for the final.
Martin Dubravka is cup-tied having played twice for Man U in the earlier rounds. He is in a bizarre situation that although he is a Newcastle player, he could get a winner's medal if their opponents prevail.
With third choice Karl Darlow on loan at Hull, it looks like Howe will go for German keeper Loris Karius who has not played first-team football for anyone in two years and is still remembered by Liverpool supporters for two awful errors in the 2018 Champions League final against Real Madrid.
However, Howe said Karius is a "very cool customer" and is confident he will be fine despite the pressure.
The Magpies have a proud history, but little to cheer about in recent years. They have won the English league title four times, but three of those were more than a century ago and their last top-flight league success was back in 1927.
Admittedly they were runners-up in the Premier League for two successive seasons in 1996 and 1997 when Kevin Keegan was manager.
They were truly exciting times on the Tyne with a talented squad which included the likes of Alan Shearer, Les Ferdinand and David Ginola.
Newcastle have an impressive FA Cup record, having won on six occasions, including three times in five years in the 1950s in the days of the great Jackie Milburn.
But their last FA Cup triumph was a 3-1 win over Manchester City back in 1955. They have never won the League Cup, but reached the final in 1976, losing to City.
Perhaps the biggest concern for Howe is that they are coming up against a hot Man U squad which is the form team in the Premier League.
Under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, this is a totally transformed squad from the one we witnessed struggling in recent seasons.
They are playing with confidence, particularly Marcus Rashford who is in the form of his life.
The striker's two goals against Leicester last weekend means he has scored 24 in all competitions this season.
On form alone, Man U will start the game as favourites, but Newcastle fans will have something to say about that. Their supporters are some of the most passionate in football and the Toon Army will descend on Wembley in full force and definitely will make their presence felt.
Let's hope tomorrow's final is an entertaining game, affirming the League Cup still plays a worthwhile role in English football.
When you look at the two teams involved, it certainly won't be lacking in passion.