Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says the FA Cup is always magical and it was the competition that got him hooked on football.
The Magpies have won the famous trophy six times 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 that hasn’t changed in my mind at all.
“The FA Cup is the competition that attracted me to football as a child. The knockout competition and the drama it provided was one of the things that hooked me into the game early on.
“The name, the FA Cup, doesn’t change. There’s still magic in there.
Star striker Alexander Isak will take no risks against the lower league side after being replaced at Arsenal in midweek.
Eddie Howe on his return to St. James’ Park:
“The three games we played away were brilliant days for us but they were tiring. It’s good to be back home and now we have a bit of a run there. In these matches, it’s never easy at home or away but I think it’s good not to 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 pretty good. He is seeing his physio at the moment. I gave him a few days off, but he’s doing well and I’ll report back tomorrow. [when] I’ll take a good look at it.
“It doesn’t look like a serious injury – not based on initial assessments. But we keep our fingers crossed.
“We probably would have involved him in this game in some way, but with what happened, he will have this game to rest and prepare for the future schedule that we have.”
Howe wants Dubravka to stay
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has been linked with a departure from the club this month as his contract is due to expire this summer.
With Nick Pope injured, Dubravka has played every game since mid-December and Howe wants to keep him around longer.
He said: “He’s still there and an integral part of what we’re trying to do and he’s playing really well.
“Martin was in a difficult situation, like any player who reaches the end of his contract this summer. There is always this feeling of doubt. He will naturally want some closure on his future – whether that is a new contract with us or whatever the outcome may be.
“I’m really happy with him and he has more than played his part in our last few matches. Against Arsenal I thought he was really, really good and I hope we can come to some sort of agreement with him.
