Chris Waddle has backed Eddie Howe to end Newcastle's trophy drought, claiming his former club waited too long for silverware.
Newcastle are one ahead in the Carabao Cup final after turning on the style to win at Arsenal in the first leg of their semi-final. They also begin their FA Cup mission against League Two Bromley at St James' Park on Sunday and Waddle feels Howe is making significant progress in their wait to lift a trophy.
The Toon last tasted success when they lifted the old Fairs Cup in 1969 and have not won a domestic trophy since winning the FA Cup in 1955. Waddle, who helped Newcastle win promotion to the top flight in 1984 during his five years at St James' Park, believes Howe can succeed where so many other great managers have failed and is ending the wait.
“We have been talking about Newcastle winning a trophy since 1969,” the former England winger told Prime Casino. “Eddie is in the same group as every other manager who has gone to Newcastle. Bobby Robson had a great opportunity but it didn't happen. Kevin Keegan – it didn't happen.
“Obviously Newcastle have fallen away a bit over the years but they've come back under Eddie, got into the Champions League and you think Eddie would be the man to end the trophy drought. don't know if some clubs are cursed or not. It doesn't happen for Newcastle.
“It doesn't happen for Tottenham either. They are both in the semi-finals of the League Cup and both teams are desperate for silverware. Newcastle need to win a trophy. It's been far too long since a club of that size hasn't won a trophy.”
Newcastle are flying under Howe and are the Premier League's form team. They have won their last seven games in all competitions, conceding just two goals. Alexander Isak is on fire and teammate Anthony Gordon hailed the Swedish star as Europe's best striker after scoring against Arsenal to maintain his hot streak.
The 25-year-old Isak has scored seven times in his last five games and has 15 goals and four assists this season. Gordon, 23, is also in good form and has six goals and five assists after his goal at the Emirates. Howe has Newcastle playing with swagger and Waddle says qualifying for the Champions League for the second time in three seasons is key.
“They are the form team, they are winning,” he said. “They had a bit of luck against Tottenham, but the way they're playing, Eddie has got his first team in order now. Newcastle are playing at a high pace, they're going for it, they're entertaining, what the fans up there want.
“There comes a point where people are going to say, 'You've got to win something.' It's already entertaining. Listen, getting into the top four for me means winning something, it's the equivalent.
“If Newcastle can get back into the Champions League, we are talking about a lot of money and that means you can bring in better players. You can build on that and make progress.”
Comments