Newcastle United’s Remarkable Transformation
Newcastle United’s journey from financial instability to becoming one of the wealthiest clubs in the world has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since the takeover by a consortium backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the club has not only stabilized financially but has also emerged as a strong contender for major trophies. Manager Eddie Howe, who had never won a major domestic trophy either as a player or a manager, is now leading a resurgent squad that is challenging for honors and a UEFA Champions League return this season. The Magpies’ impressive elimination of Arsenal at the Carabao Cup semifinal stage has brought them to the showpiece at Wembley Stadium, reigniting the hopes and dreams of the Toon Army.
A Glorious but Painful Cup History
Newcastle United’s history in cup competitions is a tale of past glories and recent heartbreaks. The club’s last cup final came in 2023 when they reached the Carabao Cup showpiece but lost 2-0 to Manchester United at Wembley Stadium. This loss came just a few years after their last major final in 1998/99, where they also fell to Manchester United in the FA Cup final by the same scoreline. The fans have long memories, and these defeats have left a lasting impact. However, Newcastle did claim a minor victory in 2006 by winning the Intertoto Cup, a summer competition run by UEFA. While not a major trophy, it remains a cherished memory for many supporters.
The Quest for Major Silverware
The last major trophy Newcastle won was the FA Cup in the 1954/55 season, when they defeated Manchester City. The final, held at the old Wembley Stadium, was watched by an estimated 100,000 fans, with Newcastle legend Jackie Milburn scoring in the first minute. This triumph was the sixth time they had won the FA Cup and the third of four FA Cup wins for the club between 1951 and 1955. Despite their rich history, Newcastle has not won a major trophy since 1955. They have, however, claimed the top flight title four times, the last being in 1927. In recent years, they have also won the EFL Championship in 2009/10 and 2016/17, a testament to their ability to bounce back from relegation.
A History of Near Misses
Newcastle’s FA Cup and Carabao Cup records are marked by a series of near misses. The club lost in the FA Cup final three times between 1905 and 1908, scoring only one goal across those appearances. They suffered another defeat in the 1973/74 final, losing 3-0 to Liverpool, with Kevin Keegan, now a Newcastle legend, scoring twice for the opposition. Keegan had just completed a first spell as Newcastle head coach, where he nearly led them to Premier League glory. In 1997/98, they lost to Arsenal 2-0 in the FA Cup final, and in 1998/99, they faced the same scoreline against Manchester United. Newcastle also reached the Carabao Cup final (then known as the Football League Cup) in 1975/76, losing 2-1 to Manchester City. The 2023 Carabao Cup final was another painful loss, where Casemiro and Marcus Rashford sealed a 2-0 defeat for Newcastle.
Recent Cup Performances
In recent years, Newcastle’s performances in the FA Cup and EFL Cup have been mixed. The FA Cup semifinal appearance in 2004/05 was the first time they had reached that stage of a domestic competition in the 21st century. They reached the last four in the Carabao Cup in 2022/23 and again in 2024/25. The 2005/06 season saw them reach the quarterfinals of both cup competitions, and they made it to the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup in 2014/15 and 2021/22. The 2019/20 season brought another quarterfinal appearance in the FA Cup, and they reached the semifinal in 2022/23. Despite these close calls, the club has yet to clinch a major trophy since the 1954/55 FA Cup win.
Hope for the Future
As Newcastle United prepares for the 2025 Carabao Cup final, the club is filled with renewed hope and optimism. The support of the Toon Army has never wavered, and their continued belief in the team is a driving force. Manager Eddie Howe’s tactical acumen and the squad’s determination to end the trophy drought are evident. The journey from financial turmoil to becoming a top-tier club has been a testament to resilience and ambition. As the final approaches, the focus is on making history and bringing the silverware back to Tyneside, where it belongs. The stage is set, and the dream of lifting a major trophy is closer than ever.
