FA Cup news: Eddie Howe, Newcastle Utd head to Aston Villa in echo of Bobby Robson–era gamble
There is talk of Eddie Howe being sacked should Newcastle United lose their daunting trip to Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Saturday, but history offers a warning.
The last time the Magpies travelled to Villa in this competition, their manager was under mounting pressure, but keeping faith with him ultimately provided the club with success in the long run.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Mosaddek Abu discusses how Newcastle could learn from history regarding Howe’s situation.
Short-term pain, long-term gain
Ahead of the trip to Villa Park, Howe is under more pressure than ever.
Despite a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over Tottenham on Tuesday calming some nerves, Newcastle’s record of four away wins in all competitions this season is pitiful.
Yet, if history tells us anything, it is that Sir Bobby Robson was in a similar position in January 2001.
Three wins in nine games had seen Newcastle lose ground on the Premier League top six before they forced an FA Cup replay at Villa Park thanks to a late Kieran Dyer header at St James’ Park.
It didn’t get any easier for Robson’s Newcastle, who lost 1-0 after Darius Vassell ended a two-year goal drought, with the ball somehow looping off his thigh and over United goalkeeper Steve Harper.
Robson’s response at the time may sound familiar now.
“At the moment, it’s tough – I have just got to keep my head and not get too down with things,” he said.
“The injuries will relent, and when they do, we will start to win games like these.”
The loss unfortunately affected their league form, which remained inconsistent as the Magpies finished 11th in the table, below the likes of Charlton Athletic and Southampton, and qualified for the UEFA Intertoto Cup.
However, the United board stuck with Robson and reaped the benefits, finishing in the top four the following season and qualifying for the Champions League.
The year after that? Newcastle finished third.
Tough times on Tyneside
Howe is enduring his toughest period since joining Newcastle.
Sitting 10th in the Premier League table, his side have conceded 19 points from winning positions, kept only two clean sheets, and won a paltry three away games.
Their chances of qualifying for the Champions League again look slim, and they are no longer in the Carabao Cup.
With just the FA Cup and Champions League left to vie for, there is ever-growing talk of Howe’s future.
The 48-year-old therefore comes into Saturday’s match-up under immense pressure to keep Newcastle’s season going, and he’ll be hoping for a similar show of patience – win or lose – from the board.
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