Newcastle United supporters have narrowly backed a poll that would accept a 17th-placed finish and an FA Cup win next season. Despite not achieving domestic success for 67 years, 43% of Toon supporters voted against finishing fourth-bottom as long as it meant winning a trophy.
Almost 4,500 fans took part in the hypothetical scenario following the release of the Premier League fixture list. An FA Cup triumph would guarantee Europa League qualification for 2023-24 but that was still not acceptable for almost half of those surveyed.
The 57% in favour of finishing 17th and winning the world’s oldest cup competition cited future European escapades when justifying their vote.
@dannyrcormack8: "What’s the realistic alternative? Maybe top 10 and no cup? I’d take winning the FA cup and European football all day long!"
@ToonForChange: "We stay in the @premierleague AND win the FA Cup AND qualify for Europe? Win Win Win. Yes please!"
@daveynicnufc: "Who on Earth is saying no?? It would be our best season in my 43 years on this planet!"
@NixonMark89: "Obviously yes. Get a trophy in the cabinet for the first time in most of our lifetimes. Trip to Wembley and a parade around the city! Who is saying no? Also qualifies us for Europe. Anyone saying no needs their head looked at."
However, as mentioned, a sizable minority voted against winning silverware. Those who did suggested steady improvement and prioritising the league as pivotal factors in their decision.
N1U8FC92: "If we finish 17th this season, regardless of Cup status, it's catastrophic. The players that are hopefully coming in will be hopefully nowhere near down there. So for me it's an absolute no!"
@jonniegrieve: "I would not. We'd all love to win a trophy. But success as a club, particularly a top flight club is founded on league performance. I want to see us build in the league (And win a cup)."
@J_Richardson98: "Another season battling relegation? No thanks."
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