Newcastle United returned home without the FA Cup, but were welcomed as heroes all the same as tens of thousands of people lined the streets to welcome them home yesterday.

Ruud Gullit and his United players toured the city's streets in an open-topped bus on their way to a civic reception after the 2-0 defeat by Manchester United at Wembley, and just as they were last year, they were cheered all the way.

Hundreds gathered at the Gosforth Park hotel on the outskirts of the city to see them off and many many more collected outside the city's civic centre to once again show their support as the four-mile parade ended more than two hours later.

Many of the players were clearly moved at the reaction despite their second cup final heartbreak in as many years, and skipper Alan Shearer, holding one of his daughters in his arms, told the crowd: "If only we'd played football like you supported us, we would have won 5-0.

"On behalf of the lads, I would like to thank you once again for your magnificent support - and you never know, maybe next year."

Gullit, who was cheered loudly as he stepped forward to pay his own tribute, said: "Seeing that crowd and the crowds that supported us on this trip has been great.

"It's not a coincidence that we are here for the second time. It's just a thin line between making that step towards success and we are trying very hard, the staff and the players, to develop a great team for you."