Blyth Spartans and Nick Pope have began to trend as Newcastle fans come up with a plan to ensure their No.22 plays in the Carabao Cup final.
The England international – who Eddie Howe signed for just £10m – received a straight red card on Saturday after bizarrely handling the ball while outside of his box.
Due to the fact it wasn’t violent conduct, Pope has only received a one-game ban, although unfortunately for him, Newcastle’s next game just happens to be their Carabao Cup final clash with Manchester United.
So, why is Blyth Spartans now trending? Let’s take a look…
Newcastle fans hatch Nick Pope plan involving Blyth Spartans
Well, this is highly unlikely to happen, although technically, it would appear to be within the rules.
Blyth Spartans play in the National League, with those involved in that tier of English football still able to sign players until the end of March, including transfers from Premier League sides – as detailed by the Derbyshire Times.
Therefore, some Newcastle fans have suggested loaning Pope to Blyth Spartans for their clash against Telford United on Saturday, which would see him serve the one-game suspension, before recalling him for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.
It is certainly a unique suggestion – to say the least – but it does have some logic to it, in fairness.
Clearly, Newcastle fans do not have much faith in Loris Karius or Mark Gillespie after Pope’s red card.
Why can’t Dubravka play?
Howe also has Martin Dubravka in his goalkeeping department after the Slovakia international was recalled from his loan spell at Manchester United in the January transfer window.
However, the 34-year-old is actually ineligible to play in the Carabao Cup final as he made two appearances for the Red Devils in the competition earlier this season, playing 90 minutes in wins over Aston Villa and Burnley.
Therefore, Dubravka is cup-tied and cannot be used by Howe.
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