CUP TRIUMPH STILL THE ED-LINE AFTER A YEAR OF DRAMA

Toon have had highs and lows but ending long trophy drought is stand-out moment

- BY LEE RYDER

OUT ON THE TOON Fans turn out for parade of Carabao Cup

EDDIE HOWE has been on a rollercoaster with Newcastle in the past 12 months, from Wembley joy in March to Premier League struggles in December.

But the bottom line is that as Newcastle prepare to say goodbye to 2025 they will do so with a domestic trophy in the cabinet at St James' Park after ending the 70-year drought to lift one.

And their Champions League prospects are still good heading into springtime.

For all the troubles he has faced, including calls from some fans for him to be replaced, Howe does not want to get too down in the dumps after a great year.

"The last 12 months as a whole have been unbelievable for us because we finally won a trophy, and when I came here, that was the big aim after staying in the league - to try to win a trophy.

"Then you look at Champions League qualification, and we're in the middle of that and it's a great experience again to be in the Champions League. We're desperate to stay in the competition.