Newcastle United v Coventry City
The FA Cup, Fourth Round
St. James' Park (Newcastle United FC)
Saturday 29 January 2005



Alan Shearer is hoping Newcastle United can bounce back by winning The FA Cup this season.

Shearer is desperate to lift some silverware for his hometown club before he retires - and sees an FA Cup Final in Cardiff as the perfect farewell party.

Newcastle take on Coventry at St James's Park in the Fourth Round on Saturday and everyone on Tyneside is desperate for success.

Former England Captain Shearer said: "The FA Cup is a very big competition for us, always is. We look forward to it this weekend. We've been given a good draw, so we have to make the most of that.

"We've got The FA Cup and we have the UEFA Cup, two chances left to get some silverware! Fingers crossed - I've been saying that for a few years now!"

It hasn't been an easy season for Newcastle or an easy week. But Shearer is fully behind manager Graeme Souness as he bids to bring silverware to the Toon Army.

He said: "I think Graeme's been great, I really do. You never get a managerial job when everything's going right at a football club. He came in and knew of one or two problems and he's trying his very, very hardest to sort those problems out - and if anyone can do it, he can.

"I think I've been supportive of all my managers because management I wouldn't assume is a very easy job. It's a very tough job and if I can help him in any way I will do because he wants success as much as I do for this football club."

Newcastle plan a double cup raid over the next couple of months but haven't given up hope of finishing in a Champions League position in the Premiership, either.

Shearer said: "We've got some very winnable games coming up after Coventry and we'll have to wait and see. But obviously we're not happy with the position we're in at the moment. Our aim is to try and progress in both competitions and obviously climb the league as well.

"The manager won't come out and say it but we've had horrendous luck with injuries this season. We've had our fair share and someone else's on top, I think! Now we have Jean-Alain Boumsong out already as well. But we have to get over it."