Newcastle United players walked into training on the eve of their clash with AFC Bournemouth and were greeted by a message on the big screens at Benton which read that the Magpies had not won a trophy in 68 years.

Howe has used the club's history to motivate his players in a season which has at least seen them reach a major showpiece for the first time since 1999. At times, the long trophy drought has felt like a millstone around the neck for squads of the past and managers have not been drawn into talk of breaking the hoodoo.

Talking about the motivational techniques he has used to inspire his squad, Howe said this week: "In the early rounds we definitely used that (the trophy drought) but as it goes to the other end of the competition, we have tried to take the pressure off rather than add pressure on.

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"It can be a very delicate balance sometimes on how you prepare psychologically for these games. As I say when you get to this stage I think the players know the responsibilities. The pressures they will face, it is a case for me to take them away and focus on the match itself."

The build-up to Wembley has also resulted in PIF making the journey to Tyneside and holding meetings with key departments. Toon supremo Yasir Al-Rumayyan would love to see the club lift their first major honour of the new era.

Howe has had praise for the club's wealthy Saudi-backers, and said: "They are very driven to do the best they can for Newcastle. From day one I think they have made some great decisions for the future of the club whether that is developing the training ground or investing in the squad.

"Their interactions with us as staff have been very, very good. So they would love to see some reward for that. Not that they are putting pressure on us in a negative way.

"But I know they are determined to be successful short and long-term. Hopefully we can give them that."

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