Sheffield Wednesday boss Darren Moore is relishing the prospect of causing an FA Cup upset this weekend. For Newcastle United fans, they know the feeling all too well.
Some of the most shocking giant killings in the competition’s history were achieved against the Magpies. Images of Hereford’s Ronnie Radford smashing a 30-yard screamer past Willie McFaul and inspiring a pitch invasion are repeated on BBC each year.
More recently, who could forget League Two outfit Stevenage Town stunning Alan Pardew’s lacklustre side 3-1 in 2011? Or last year, when Cambridge United rocked up at St James’ Park and caused a monumental upset - heightening fears about an impending relegation that never happened.
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Toon fans are no stranger to FA Cup disaster and, ahead of the trip to Hillsborough, Moore, who has the Owls sitting second in League One, is planning another one. He told reporters at his pre-match press conference: “That's the beauty of the FA Cup (a potential upset). For us, it's a wonderful chance to play against international players.
“It's an excellent occasion for both teams who are going really well in their respective divisions. Eddie has done an excellent job there. It's great to see what he's doing but we've got a fantastic game now where we go head-to-head with them.
“Both fans are vocal and we're expecting a great atmosphere. On paper, it looks like an exciting game. They're a very dangerous opposition because of the calibre of players.
“They're taking the Premier League on this season and have a good mixture and blend. They have individual players right on top of their game. We've shown a level of consistency and have been gritty to stay in games. But both teams are on tremendous runs and will be looking to keep it going.”
Among the Wednesday ranks is Wallsend-born striker Michael Smith. A boyhood Newcastle fan, the 31-year-old arrived on a free transfer from Rotherham United last summer.
After enduring a slow start to life in Sheffield, Smith is heading into the clash against United in red-hot form. Three goals in his last two league appearances have propelled the Owls into the automatic promotion places.
The former Darlington striker also bagged both goals as Wednesday brushed aside Mansfield Town 2-0 in the previous round. Ahead of the tie, Smith has outlined his aim to “expose” his hometown team.
“They're obviously the team I followed growing up,” the Geordie said. “I remember the Entertainers team. Shearer was great; the (whole) team was under Keegan.
"At the age I was, I didn't really understand what a signing it was. He was always the one everyone in the street wanted to be.
“My whole family is black and white. It's a bit of a fishbowl up there. The city is besotted with the club. We've gone through clips and identified areas where we think we can expose them. We go in as underdogs but anything can happen in the FA Cup.
“Hopefully we can get Hillsborough rocking and get the win. We want to go toe to toe with them and see how good they are.”
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