Nick Pope admits that the failure of Newcastle United teams of the past to land a trophy is inspiring the current crop of players.
Some of the absolute giants of United's rich club history came close to winning a cup or a title but were denied at the latter stages. And Pope did not need to be reminded that Newcastle haven't lifted a single major trophy since 1969 or a domestic pot since 1955.
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Pope told reporters on Saturday night: "You are reminded before every cup game. "You realise the stature of this club and they have had a great team down the years without winning things.
"You think of Robson, Shearer, Asprilla. They have not quite got over the line and it is driving the dressing room to put this right."
No sooner will Newcastle fans and players shaken off the effects of the long weekend trip to London to face Crystal Palace, it will be time to turn around and head south for St Mary's Stadium for the semi-final of the League Cup. And the clash against Southampton has supporters at fever pitch.
Pope was asked if he realised that Newcastle would be hosting football's biggest part if they won the League Cup and he said: "I have only been here six months and even I know that. It is something to look forward to.
"To have that challenge. We have a long way to go so we are not getting ahead of ourselves but it is great to have that carrot and to have exciting things to chase rather than fighting off relegation. The players and fans want to win a trophy. That is part of the ambition."
Newcastle's dressing room has a clutch of players with no winners medals to their names. And Pope joked that all he had to show for his efforts is a third place finish with Bury in League Two!
He reflected: "Not many in the dressing room have played in many semi-finals or finals and that is why that is part of the excitement at this football club, having this opportunity to play in the game and push ourselves towards getting a trophy. I have got a third place in League Two - that is not much to shout about. I would like to add to that!"
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