Howe will respect the FA Cup story

EDDIE

- By LEE RYDER Chief Newcastle writer

Howe has told his Newcastle United stars not to abuse his trust on FA Cup third round day, with the head coach desperate to help keep the magic of the competition alive on Tyneside.The reception of the Milburn Stand at St James' Park is still decked out with black and white tapestry of the Newcastle team that won the FA Cup three times in the 1950s.

While fans of more recent generations have memories of Alan Shearer and his teammates parading the city on a trophyless bus in front of thousands after losing FA Cup finals in 1998 and 1999.

The FA Cup still means something in Newcastle and Howe accepts that he has a responsibility to keep dreams alive of a first trophy lift in this competition since 1955, when the great Jackie Milburn led the line for the Magpies.

When Howe took over, the club were recovering from an old Mike Ashley policy to put the cups second to Premier League survival.