Eddie Howe has issued a rallying call to players and fans ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup quarter-final at St James’ Park, urging his team to show “real energy” and the crowd to create a “brilliant atmosphere.”
After wins over Tranmere, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth in the last three rounds, only Leicester City stand in our way of a first semi-final since 2005.
Howe has revealed that the squad are determined to get Saturday’s FA Cup defeat “out of our system” ahead of a potentially “special” night on Tyneside.
On that subject, Wor Flags have not only urged fans to bring their black and white scarves to the game, but also hinted at the surfer flag we may see inside St James’ Park come 8pm this evening.
Here’s what Howe’s pre-match message, followed by Wor Flags’ potentially telling tweet:
“This is an opportunity and we need to be highly motivated for the game.
“I am sure that we will be. We need real energy from everyone to get the crowd into the game.
“We have a lot to be positive about, so we need to get Saturday’s defeat (at Sheffield Wednesday) out of our system very quickly.
“This is the biggest game of our season…because it is the next game, but it does have a special meaning (especially for the fans), we understand that.
“We need what we have had every home game. A brilliant atmosphere and environment where the team can excel and feel free to give their best.”
