FA Cup ‘still magic’ for Newcastle manager Howe

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says the FA Cup is still the magic and 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 open this season’s campaign against League Two side Bromley on Sunday and Howe says the contest has retained its charm.

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 attracted me to football when I was growing up. The knockout competition and the drama it provided was one of the things that got me hooked on the game very early on.

“The name, the FA Cup, does not change. There’s still magic in that.”

Star striker Alexander Isak will not take any chances against the lower leagues after being substituted at Arsenal in midweek.

Eddie Howe on his return to St. James’ Park:

“The three away games we’ve played have been brilliant days for us but they’ve been tough. It’s good to be back at home and we’ve got a bit of a run there now. It’s never easy in these games at 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 opener in the 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 currently with his physiotherapist. I gave him a couple of days rest, but he’s in a good place and I’ll be in touch tomorrow (when) to take a good look at him.

“It doesn’t look like a serious injury – not according to the first assessments. But fingers crossed.

“We’d probably get him involved in this game in some way, but with what happened, he’ll be given this game to rest and prepare well for the upcoming 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 expires in the summer.

With Nick Pope injured, Dubravka has played every game since mid-December and Howe wants to keep him longer.

He said: “He’s still here and a big part of what we’re trying to do, and he’s playing really well.

“Martin was in a difficult situation, like every player whose contract expires in the summer. There is always that sense of doubt. He will naturally want some conclusions for his future – whether it’s a new contract with us or whatever the outcome may be.

“I’m really happy with him and he’s more than played his part in our recent games. Against Arsenal I thought he was really, really good and I hope we can do something with him.”