Tim Sherwood has suggested this might be the year that Newcastle United end their long wait for silverware as the former Spurs boss hailed Geordies as the 'best fans in the league'.

Eddie Howe has spoken of his burning desire to end the club's 69-year wait to win a domestic trophy after reaching a second Carabao Cup semi-final in three seasons. Newcastle will have to get past Arsenal over two legs to make the Wembley showpiece and Sherwood feels that the black-and-whites have a chance of progressing.

"I like Eddie," he told Sky Sports after commentating on the Magpies' 4-0 win against Ipswich Town. "He's always level-headed. He will get the opportunity to win something and this might be the year for him.

READ MORE: Newcastle United hear 'good news' away from cameras but Gary Lineker learns transfer truth

READ MORE: Cruel Alexander Isak jibe caught on camera after Newcastle United hat-trick joy

"I know Tottenham will go all out to win the Carabao Cup as well. They're in the semi-finals of this now and Liverpool and Arsenal have got bigger prizes out there with the teams that they pick. You just never know. It could be their year.

"They have got the best fans in the league. These travelling fans are absolutely magnificent and they will have enjoyed that today.

"It's a hostile environment there at Ipswich, but they [Newcastle fans] helped. As soon as Ipswich went behind, you could just hear them. They cheer them on. They stay with them. They love their manager. Get that consistency going and you just never know where it might take them."

Sherwood's praise for Newcastle fans serves as a stark contrast to fellow pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor, who bizarrely told supporters to 'chill' after labelling Wor Flags' superb Alexander Isak display 'a bit too much' last month. "What's next?" he asked. "A red carpet outside the stadium for him when he walks out? Nonsense."