Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says the FA Cup is still magic and is the competition that got him hooked on football.
The Magpies are six-time winners of the famous trophy but have not lifted it since 1955. They begin this season’s campaign against League Two side Bromley on Sunday and Howe says the competition retains its charm.
He said: “It’s still the FA Cup and it’s not changed at all in my mind.
“The FA Cup was the competition that attracted me to football itself when I was growing up. The knockout competition and the drama it gave was one of the things that hooked me very early to the game.
“The name, the FA Cup, it doesn’t change. There’s still magic to it.”
Star striker Alexander Isak will not be risked against the lower league side after he was replaced at Arsenal in midweek.
Eddie Howe on being back at St. James' Park:
"The three games we had away were brilliant days for us but they were tiring. It's good to be back at home and now we have a little run there. In these games, they're never easy home or away but I think it's nice not to be travelling… pic.twitter.com/PS98AXrDhl
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 10, 2025
The Sweden 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 pretty good. He is seeing his physio at the moment. I’ve given him a couple of days rest, but he is in a good place and will report back tomorrow [when] I will have a good look at him.
“It doesn’t look like a serious injury – not from the initial assessments. But fingers crossed.
“We would’ve probably involved him in this game in some way, but with what has happened, he’ll be given this game to rest and get himself right for the future schedule that we have.”
Howe wants Dubravka to stay
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has been linked with a move away from the club this month as his contract is due to expire in the summer.
With Nick Pope injured, Dubravka has played every game since mid December and Howe is keen to keep hold of him for longer.
He said: “He’s still here and very much part of what we are trying to do and he’s been playing really well.
“Martin’s been in a difficult situation, like any player who’s coming to the end of contract in the summer. There’s always that feeling of doubt. He will naturally want some conclusion to his future – whether it’s a new contract with us or whatever is the outcome.
“I’ve been really pleased with him and he has more than played his part in our recent fixtures. Against Arsenal, I thought he was really, really good and I hope we can reach some sort of an agreement with him.”
