DROUGHT OF TOON

EDDIE HOWE is the 29th permanent Newcastle manager who has tried to win a domestic trophy in the last 70 years.

- SIMON BIRD

All have failed - a 1955 FA Cup win is their last major victory. There are no surviving players, and any fan who remembers it is deep into old age.

The Geordies have not won silverware since the Fairs' Cup on June 11 1969, the 55th anniversary approaching. To give that historical context, 39 days later Neil Armstrong walked on the moon.

Turning Newcastle into winners, equals mission impossible? "I always like to think the impossible is possible, especially with my players," said Howe.