Local boy Burn the hero as Newcastle finally deliver a trophy

LONDON – For all the millions of pounds Newcastle United have invested in an array of talent from around the globe since a Saudi Arabia-backed takeover in 2021, it was Dan Burn, born down the road in Blyth, who proved the hero to end decades of hurt on March 16.

Brazilian captain Bruno Guimaraes was inspirational in the 2-1 League Cup final win over Liverpool at Wembley Stadium, as was compatriot Joelinton who celebrated tackles like a man possessed.

Italian Sandro Tonali oozed class and Sweden’s Alexander Isak scored his 23rd goal of a superb season that will afford him cult status alongside the club’s former iconic forwards.

But when centre-back Burn met a corner with a thumping header to put Newcastle in front on the stroke of half-time, that was the defining moment of the final that delivered Newcastle’s first piece of silverware since the old Fairs Cup in 1969. The 1955 FA Cup was the club’s last domestic success.

Burn, a Newcastle youth product but whose career needed stops at Darlington, Fulham, Yeovil Town, Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic and Brighton Hove Albion before returning to the relegation-threatened Magpies in 2022, was described by manager Eddie Howe as colossal on March 16 after a fairy-tale week.

“I’ve had worse weeks. I don’t want to go to sleep because I feel like I’m dreaming and it’s all going to be a lie,” said Burn, who was given his first England call-up on March 14 and scored his first goal of the season two days later.

“I don’t get many (goals),so I saved it for a big occasion.”

There will not be much time to celebrate though, with Burn, 32, saying: “I’ll be first there tomorrow at 8 o’clock,” in reference to him joining up with new England manager Thomas