Reflecting on 51 Years of Heartbreak and Hope
It has been an astonishing 51 years since a black and white victory lap was last witnessed at Wembley. Back in the 1970s, the Football Association hosted an athletics invitational meet prior to the FA Cup final, and in 1974, Sir Brendan Foster emerged as the star of the event. Dressed in a black and white vest borrowed from his friend, the legendary runner Dave Bedford, Foster took on European champion Juha Vaatainen. This day remains vivid in the memory of the former Olympic medallist, whose passion for Newcastle United rivals his dedication to the sport he has devoted his life to.
Foster won that race, but later that day, he found himself drowning his sorrows as the Magpies faltered in the final against Kevin Keegan’s Liverpool. His tale of woe resonates deeply with fans in Tyneside, where the longing to end nearly half a century without a trophy is palpable. “It has been a bloody long time, hasn’t it?” he reflects with a sigh.
Energy at the Training Ground
Just a day after Foster shared his memories, there was a palpable energy at Newcastle’s training ground. Players like Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, and manager Eddie Howe gathered on a Friday morning, discussing strategies ahead of the crucial final. Although the Magpies are seen as underdogs, a resolute sense of purpose filled the air as they plotted their path to victory.
Eddie Howe’s Emotional Control
February 26, 2023, is a date forever etched in the memory of Newcastle’s manager, Eddie Howe. That evening marked a departure from his usual coping mechanism following a defeat. Long after the last dejected Newcastle supporters exited Wembley, Howe made his way from the dressing room to the executive box, where the atmosphere was somber, with one former club director in tears. Despite the defiance in their conversations, Howe felt a deep sense of deflation.
A man of routine, Howe often finds solace in rewatching matches late into the night following defeats. Friends attest that this is how he processes the pain, identifying areas for improvement. However, that night, he craved the comfort of his family—his sons Harry, Rocky, and Theo were brimming with questions for their dad. “They take you away from that feeling of defeat,” he acknowledges. Yet, Howe still carries the weight of the disappointment from that night.
For the upcoming final, Howe has two clear objectives. The first is to match up against a Liverpool side that Guimaraes claims is the “best in the world,” necessitating a flawless tactical approach and peak performances from his key players. With Lewis Hall absent, Howe is contemplating a back three, stating, “Although we are running out of defenders,” and he will make a late decision on whether to start Nick Pope or Martin Dubravka in goal.
The second objective revolves around managing the emotional stakes surrounding the match. This week has felt remarkably routine for the team. There will be no change from Howe’s typical tracksuit to a suit, nor will he adjust schedules for media appearances. This sentiment echoes that of the fans; the last visit to Wembley felt monumental, but this time, the focus is firmly on winning.
“It does feel different this time,” Howe stated. Internally, there’s a belief that their 2023 final appearance came early in their journey. Having experienced Champions League nights, the team has demonstrated a tendency to perform better against high-caliber opponents this season. Howe’s guiding performance against Paris Saint-Germain, a thrilling 4-1 victory, exemplified his football philosophy, combining intensity with discipline. If they can channel that energy against Liverpool, they could secure a significant victory.
Managing Emotions
“I wouldn’t say we’re taking emotion out of it, but controlling it is key,” Howe remarked. “You need to feel the excitement and the potential ‘what ifs’ from the positive side, but it’s crucial to manage it.” He emphasized the importance of striking a balance—too much emotion can hinder performance, while too little can lead to underperformance. “We have many experienced players who have competed at high levels, so I’m not concerned about that aspect.”
Bruno Guimaraes: More Than Just a Player
Bruno Guimaraes is not merely passing through; he has a vision. “I have envisioned walking up those steps to collect the trophy many, many times,” he expressed, referring to the possibility of becoming the first Newcastle captain since Bobby Moncur to lift a trophy. The Brazil international has not only been a game-changer but has also emerged as a unifying force within a squad rich in diverse backgrounds. He embraces Newcastle as his home, stating, “I play every game as a fan.”
His emotional investment was evident in 2023 when he wept over the missed opportunity against Manchester United. This time, he hopes the tears will flow “out of happiness.”
Alexander Isak: The Ice-Cold Finisher
Alexander Isak has been turning heads this season, with speculation surrounding his future becoming almost as prolific as his goal-scoring record. With interest from clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona, and PSG, he remains focused. When asked if he considers himself the best striker in the world, Isak simply nodded, while Guimaraes agreed. Yet, Isak remains composed, insisting, “All of our focus is on bringing a trophy back.” His ice-cold demeanor off the pitch mirrors his performance on it, and if Newcastle is to clinch victory on Sunday, he must deliver at his best.
Dan Burn’s Remarkable Journey
Few stories in the Premier League this season are as remarkable as Dan Burn’s call-up to the England squad at the age of 32. Just over two years ago, he had nearly given up hope of representing his country. When asked about the possibility earlier this season, he laughed it off. Yet now, he stands on the brink of potentially influencing his World Cup fate, aiming to convince Thomas Tuchel of his worthiness.
Howe has lauded Burn as a “model pro,” and such admiration is not without merit. Having journeyed from pushing trolleys at Asda in Blyth to the England squad, Burn’s story is one of perseverance. He is the fourth player from Howe’s coaching to break into the England setup, following in the footsteps of Livramento, Hall, and Anthony Gordon. This is further testament to Howe’s impressive managerial capabilities.
“We Know How to Lose”
Foster, the former athlete, has recently become a believer in Newcastle’s potential to end their lengthy trophy drought. “I’ve not held out much hope, but the last week or so I’m absolutely convinced we’re going to do it,” he states confidently. Having been only seven years old in 1955 when Newcastle last lifted the FA Cup, he reminisces about his father taking him to the last home game before the final. He had hoped to be there, but his younger brother ended up with the ticket instead.
“We grew up watching Newcastle win the FA Cup on television, and I thought it would happen again soon. I never imagined I’d be waiting another 20 years for a Wembley appearance,” he admits, shaking his head at the thought. When Newcastle finally returned in 1974, he had become an international athlete and had secured tickets from the FA for his family.
Now, he’s attending the final with his family and believes that Isak could be the closest thing Newcastle has had to legendary strikers like Jackie Milburn, Malcolm Macdonald, or Alan Shearer. “I truly believe he can make the difference,” Foster asserts. “We’ve experienced enough heartbreak at Wembley to handle it if we don’t succeed again. But if we do win, just imagine the joy it will bring.”
