A historic Northumberland country house has nailed its colours to the mast, or at least its gates, ahead of this weekend's Carabao Cup Final.
Newcastle are within touching distance of their first domestic trophy since 1955 as they take on Manchester United at Wembley on Sunday afternoon. And the Blagdon Estate near Cramlington has found a unique way to encourage Eddie Howe's men.
Its two pristine white bulls sat atop the pillars to its gatehouse entrance close to the A1 currently appear a little more like zebras from afar, as they're donning the black and white of Newcastle United.
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The 5th Viscount Ridley who lives on the Estate, Matt Ridley, is a big Toon fan and the bulls were "modified" at his request, not for the first time. They were also given a black and white makeover for the FA Cup finals against Arsenal and Manchester United in 1998 and 1999 respectively.
The bulls didn't work as a good luck charm then, but Matt is sure that it will be third time lucky and is predicting a 2-1 win for the Toon at Wembley on Sunday afternoon.
However, the makeover is only temporary - they haven't even been painted! Matthew Williamson, agent of the Blagdon Estate, revealed: "People think they're painted but it's actually black tape that's been added.
"Come Monday, we might be instructed to take the black off. However, if Newcastle win it'll probably be a bit longer - though they will go back to being our white bulls at some point."
What are your predictions for the Carabao Cup Final on Sunday? Let us know!
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