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.
