‘SUPERMAN’ ED’S SUITED AND BOOTED
EDDIE HOWE is planning to turn into Superman at Wembley – but hopes the real heroes are all wearing black and white shirts.
Howe (above) will be suited and booted as he leads Newcastle out for the club’s first final for 24 years – but will then rush back to the dressing room for a quick change into his usual working attire.
The Toon boss wants it to be business as usual despite the Geordie invasion of London.
Howe said: “During the game, I want to be myself and I want to be comfortable and I want to be close to my players, so I believe in wearing a tracksuit.
“Before the game, I will probably turn out with a different look out of respect to the competition, Wembley and our supporters.
“When we paid respects to the Queen, I felt that out of respect I should wear a suit. Then I charged down the tunnel to get changed. Everyone asked how I did it so quickly, but at the time I felt like I was delaying the game. I was a bit like Superman.”
Howe wants the Toon Army to dream but insists that the focus of his players must be total.
Newcastle have not won a trophy since they lifted the 1969 Fairs Cup and their last domestic triumph was the 1955 FA Cup. And Howe could become the first English manager to claim a piece of silverware since his old mentor
Harry Redknapp guided Portsmouth to the FA Cup in 2008.
Howe said: “Obviously the intention is to go there this weekend to try to make history
“But we’re trying to keep it as normal for the players as we can. If we start doing anything different there is a danger we could potentially waste the players’ energy.
“The mental energy they exert will probably be the biggest challenge we face, so we’ll try to keep that to a minimum so they can have enough energy to play the game emotionally.”
Newcastle’s Saudi owners are looking to build a club that challenges for the Premier League and Champions League.
And the Magpies’ boss (above) believes this trip to Wembley can be the springboard for a sustained period of success.
Howe added: “Winning would help us accelerate the process and the journey. It isn’t the be-all and end-all for what lies ahead. I hope that regardless of what happens, the club is in a good place and can grow from here.
“There is no part of me that’s going to Wembley just to enjoy the day and the experience.
“We want the players to become accustomed to these days and expect these days and not look at this final as a one-off and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“In our position, that wouldn’t be a healthy way to look at this game. We want to be very controlled in our emotions, use the energy of the crowd, but also have high expectations.”
‘Whatever happens the club is in a good place and can grow from here’