Richard Keys is hoping Newcastle United end their 68-year wait without a domestic trophy next month. A former adversary, the beIN Sports pundit locked horns with Toon supporters during the Saudi-backed takeover saga.
Keys, who left Sky Sports under controversial circumstances in 2011, held strong views on the dispute between Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the Premier League involving broadcasting rights and alleged pirating. The 65-year-old pinned his colours to the mast by admitting he did not want the £300million to go through.
Fast forward to last year and Keys angered Newcastle fans again by urging the club to relocate its training ground to London. His controversial comments about players preferring a move to the capital were rebuffed by Eddie Howe the following week.
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Now, less than a fortnight before the Wembley showdown, Keys has surprisingly backed Newcastle to go all the way. The announcement came after The Times revealed the Magpies will wear their traditional colours on February 26.
"I was delighted to read today that Newcastle will wear their famous black-and-white stripes at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final,” Keys wrote in his personal blog. “Good decision. Do you remember they changed into their Saudi national kit for the game at Old Trafford?
"I know why teams do it - especially Newcastle - but there's nothing like watching your team play in their proper kit on big days out. So black and white stripes it is. And I have to admit I hope they win it. They're long overdue."
Send your messages to the Newcastle squad for the Carabao Cup Final - just CLICK HERE to leave your message for Wembley.
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