Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says the FA Cup is still magical and is the competition that got him hooked on football.
The Magpies are six-time winners of the prestigious trophy but have not lifted it since 1955. They open this season’s campaign against League Two side Bromley on Sunday and Howe says the competition retains its allure.
He said: “It’s still the FA Cup and it hasn’t changed at all in my mind.
“The FA Cup was the competition that drew me to football itself when I was growing up. The knockout competition and the drama it provided was one of the things that hooked me very early on in the game.
“The name, the FA Cup, is not changing. There’s still magic in it.”
Star striker Alexander Isak will not be risked against the lower-division side after being substituted at Arsenal in midweek.
Eddie Howe returning to St. James’ Park:
“The three games we’ve had away have been great days for us, but they’ve been tiring. It’s good to be back at home and now we’ve got a bit of a run there. In these games, it’s never easy home or away, but I think it’s nice don’t travel… pic.twitter.com/PS98AXrDhl
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 10, 2025
The Swedish striker scored the opening goal in a 2-0 win and has scored 10 goals in his last nine games for his club.
Howe said: “We think he’s very good. He is currently seeing his practice. I gave him a couple of days rest but he is in a good place and I will be back tomorrow (when) I see him well.
“It doesn’t look like a serious injury – not from initial estimates. But fingers crossed.
“We probably would have gotten him involved in this game in some way, but with what happened, he’s going to be given this game to rest and get him right for the schedule going forward.”
Howe wants Dubravka to stay
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has been linked with a move away from the club this month as his contract expires in the summer.
With Nick Pope injured, Dubravka has played in every game since mid-December and Howe wants to keep him for longer.
He said: “He’s still here and he’s part of what we’re trying to do and he’s playing really well.
“Martin was in a difficult situation, like any player whose contract ends in the summer. There is always that feeling of doubt. Of course he will want some conclusion on his future – whether it’s a new contract with us or whatever the outcome is.
“I’m very pleased with him and he’s more than played his part in our recent games. Against Arsenal I thought he was really, really good and hopefully we can come to some sort of deal with him.”
