Newcastle United have not won a cup final at Wembley since the 1955 FA Cup.
Eddie Howe has the opportunity to end the 70-year wait for a trophy on Sunday afternoon when Newcastle United face Liverpool in the 2025 Carabao Cup final.
Newcastle’s record at Wembley throughout those 70 years is a painful sight for supporters, with the Magpies losing six finals in a row.
That includes the 2023 Carabao Cup final which Newcastle lost to Manchester United. Howe admits Newcastle were ‘exhausted’ for the last final, so changes have been made in the build-up to Sunday’s showdown.
Newcastle fans preparing to travel to Wembley will hope it’s different this time around, but Wayne Rooney has claimed that the supporters might be part of the problem…
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Newcastle fans contribute to poor Wembley record
Howe feels like the 2023 final became too emotional, with players eventually overwhelmed by the occasion at Wembley.
The longer the trophy drought continues, the more desperate Newcastle become to get their hands on silverware.
But, speaking on The Overlap, Rooney suggested the pressure and excitement from fans might be contributing to Newcastle’s struggles.
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It started when Gary Neville asked: “Have Newcastle ever played well at Wembley?”
Rooney replied: “I was with Alan Shearer and [Mark] Clattenburg yesterday and I was thinking ‘you are making it [a big ocassion]”
“I know it’s a cup final, but I can imagine being a player and being in the city and they’re all doing the same thing.”
Rooney and Neville predicted Newcastle to lose, and it seems they both agree that fans have not helped the club historically.
Newcastle fans can make the difference at Wembley
Despite Neville and Rooney’s criticism, Newcastle fans should be completely unforgiving about their passionate support.
Newcastle fans have been gifted free scarves by club sponsors Sela, and supporters can be Newcastle’s 12th man at Wembley.
Against Manchester United two years ago, Newcastle fans were incredible in the stands and continued to cheer Howe’s side well after the full-time whistle.
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There is a huge pressure on Newcastle to end the trophy drought, but that would still exist with or without the fans.
There is an incredible atmosphere at St James’ Park that has contributed to the club’s recent success, and a good support at Wembley can have a similar impact.