Newcastle United legend Mick Quinn believes that the club should focus on a cup run this season.
The ex-Magpie has suggested that Rafa Benitez should approach the club’s FA Cup replay with Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night with optimism to reinvigorate the Toon Army’s supporters.
Speaking on talkSPORT, as quoted by the Chronicle, he said: “I am hoping Rafa doesn’t play an absolute reserve team because that is when I will get frustrated. I’m his biggest fan but I am hoping he doesn’t play a weakened side.
“I think what could put the smile back on Geordie faces is a cup run. The tradition between Newcastle and the FA Cup has been immense until Ashley come.
“If you get it in to your psyche and you keep getting beat – even with a reserve team out – the confidence just drains away from the team.”
OPINION
A cup run would be nice for Newcastle, but the club has to face facts, and right now the battle for Premier League survival must be a much greater priority than the luxury of a couple of extra rounds in the competition. It might lift supporters’ spirits, that is true, but it would also push an already creaking squad to the limit, and could be damaging for a side that must focus its attentions on staying in the league. The sad reality is that, for all the Geordies love the FA Cup, they’re not going to win it this season and they had much bigger fish to fry. If Quinn is any doubt he need only look as far as Wigan Athletic, who won the trophy and get relegated in 2013, still yet to return to the top flight. Maybe if Newcastle were to go and lift the crown then they could endure the drop, but a quarter final and a slump towards the Championship would be unacceptable.
