Eddie Howe responded to the question with a thin smile followed by a flat denial. Newcastle’s manager had just been asked whether his team were jinxed and a sense of deja vu permeated the room.
That query has echoed, periodically, around St James’ Park throughout the 70 years since Gypsies reputedly placed a powerful curse on the club. As staff and players holidayed after winning the FA Cup in 1955, Travellers set up camp at a deserted training ground before being, somewhat unceremoniously, ejected.
