JUST HOW VALUABLE IS A TROPHY?

We hear it every time Newcastle United plays an FA Cup or Carling Cup match. At some point or another, the announcer feels compelled to remind everyone that Newcastle hasn't won a major domestic trophy since 1955. That's usually followed by a comment on the peculiarity of that drought in light of United's considerable stature in English football.

The Carling Cup has been viewed as the most realistic target in recent years because of how the Premier League's leading clubs approach the competition. So when Newcastle valiantly fell 4-3 to Blackburn in the round of 16 on Wednesday, it was a blow to black-and-white fans who thought this might finally be the season that would deliver a trophy.

But let's just stop and look at the bigger picture for a moment. What is the value of a trophy?

That might sound like a stupid question. Trophies are what successful clubs collect. But would winning the Carling Cup mean a successful season? What about the FA Cup? Would Newcastle fans be happy with, say, a 13th-place finish in the Premier League if it meant winning one of those tournaments? What if they experienced what supporters of Birmingham went through last season (the high of winning the Carling Cup at Wembley followed a few months later by the low of being relegated from the Premier League)? Would it be worth it to end United's trophy drought?

I wonder if there's a bit of a disconnect between American Newcastle fans and their English counterparts when it comes to this topic. We simply don't have the same appreciation for the domestic cups. How could we? We didn't grow up traveling around the country to watch Newcastle play at grounds big and small. So how could we care as much about the trophies the tournaments are played for?

They don't really compare to the Premier League, which is pretty much the be-all and end-all of an American Toon supporter's fandom. We depend on success in the Premier League because it allows us to continue watching our team the following season. A Carling Cup or FA Cup title doesn't hold the same value in that regard.

So I'll ask again: What is the value of a trophy?

Comments

[amble_ball]

Here's the answer to your question; the value of a trophy, ANY trophy, to this particular football club is absolutely massive. We are all very well aware that the league cup is a second rate competition, that the big clubs don't take it seriously most of the time, and that may also be true of the F.A. cup to a certain extent these days. But that is completely irrelevant. You shouldn't need me to remind you but we came so heartbreakingly close to winning the league playing some of the best football the city has ever known and our cupboard is still bare. We played in two cup finals just after that period and came home with nothing. Our stadium, our fans, the players we've had over the years deserve something to get excited about. There is no set of fans the country that deserves or would appreciate a cup more than ours and if we won one, whether it was of the league or f.a. variety, I would not stop celebrating for months. I believe the majority of Newcastle fans would do likewise

[amble_ball]

Just re-read that and the tone of my comment sounded a bit condescending, which wasn't my intention. Apologies if so

[Beercan2001]

I am 41 years old born in 1970 !! Last major trophy fairs Cup in 1969 !!! A cup, a cup, my kingdom for a CUP!! Not in my lifetime has my beloved Mighty Toon Army won a trophy. I want to share in the days my grandparents enjoyed, where the whole city lined the streets to see their hero's bring home a cup. The city would celebrate like no other and the fans so loyal and devout deserve that chance. Maybe next season I shout (again) Keep the faith is all I can say, TOON 4 LIFE :0)

[Adam]

I am 31 and have been an American Toon fan since the late 90's; to see the lads playing in a final at Wembley would be well worth the trip. I am not sure that is quite the answer you are looking for, but is my 2 cents.

[Jaeger]

i think that if newcastle were to follow birmingham's fate of winning the cup and being relegated would not be the best outcome. having said that, a 17th place standing in the league and a cup title would be great. vice versa, winning the prem and losing 3-0 to stevenage or some league two team would be acceptable. any status were we could say that we were at the top would be worth it.

[Tom]

Just to clarify, I'm not coming at this from the standpoint that trophies aren't important. I just think it's interesting to discuss the tangible value of them and, in particular, the differences in how they're viewed by American and English fans.

[Ryan]

A trophy to me is incredibly important. I know how much it means to Newcastle fans everywhere, but especially in and around Newcastle. Obviously, a trophy like the FA or Carling is not like the Premier League trophy, but it would still be great. If it would come at a price like Birmingham paid, it would definitely water down the enjoyment a bit. But, to be honest, we are a lot better than Birmingham last year. Had we won the Carling this year, I don't think there is any serious relegation worries. While I agree with Tom somewhat in that some American fans may look at this issue a bit differently, I am in the boat of the European Geordies. I have an incredible (and probably a bit unhealthy) competitive streak. I want my teams to win at everything. If the cost is too great, it changes things of course, but the more trophies the better in my book.

Plus, when you are a fan of a club with a long trophy drought, winning a trophy can become almost mythical. I know I dream about a day when I can celebrate a major trophy for Newcastle. I can't imagine what it would really be like in Newcastle someday when that happens. The longer the drought goes, the more important it becomes to win a trophy, or any trophy for that matter. Just my 2 cents on this. Very interesting topic Tom, good job on the article.

[Rob Moyer]

Winning either domestic cup is also another way to get into Europa League which is a goal we put up for the club at the start of the season. I would rather win the Carling Cup or FA Cup and finish in the bottom half than qualify for Europe either 6th or 7th in the league.

[Mick Glass]

I was @ Old Trafford for the Spurs & Sheffield United matches,,the passion & commitment was immense,,fast forward to both Wembley appearances in the F.A Cup ( I went to both as well ),,the tactics & performance were shocking,,we froze due to expectation levels. So for learning value alone it's priceless.