What Aston Villa's Cup Run Means For Newcastle

Mike and his mathematicians are going to be heading for the blackboard once more...

By Ross Tweddell /

Aston Villa were in the Premier League's relegation battle along with Newcastle United as the season neared its conclusion. But while United were succumbing to the pressures that the proverbial dog fight brings, The Villains had an ideal coping mechanism that allowed them to climb away and survive before the final day of the Premier League season came round. Villa reached the FA Cup final, using their form on the way to Wembley as the catalyst for survival. Of course, there will be those of you who will say "who cares?" as Newcastle preserved their status off their own back, eventually, but Tim Sherwood's achievements last season should have a direct effect on how Newcastle United do their business. Or at least if Mike Ashley, Lee Charnley and the rest of United's football board have any shame and/or backboard they should...
Remember these comments from a fans forum meeting a while back?
€œThe board outlined research into Premier League clubs in relation to domestic cup competitions in the last five years, with Swansea City the only club outside the traditional top six to win a domestic cup and not be relegated in the same season (Birmingham and Wigan Athletic were both relegated). €œIndependent research into the cost of relegation over the past ten years showed there is a 50% chance of not gaining promotion back to the top flight and a 30% chance of being relegated to League One or further. In addition, if clubs do return to the Premier League, it takes four years on average.€
Villa have completely blown these bogus figures out the water and surely left Newcastle's hierarchy with no place to hide when it comes to the cups now. And coupled with Mike Ashley's (empty) promise of winning a trophy before he leaves St James' Park, we're all correct in assuming that'll we'll have a couple of trips to Wembley to look forward to next season. We cant wait. Then again, the way this summer has started you would be forgiven for thinking that come January and FA Cup third round weekend that you'll be seeing a reserve side played away at some Football League ground. Let's hope Mike proves us wrong. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.