Newcastle United have not won at Stamford Bridge for 23 years and have never beaten Chelsea in the Premier League. Yet Newcastle’s interim manager, Joe Kinnear has dismissed claims that the Geordies face some kind of curse when travelling to West London, and has pointed to the fact he himself has a lucky record at the ground, both as manager and player.
“Stamford Bridge has always been a bit of a lucky ground for me, as a player and manager,” the Irishman said. “As you would have expected when I was with Spurs we often used to win at Chelsea.
“And I can remember winning there 4-2 as a manager with Wimbledon, and it has been quite a good place for me.”
Newcastle don’t just have history to contend with though as they are currently in the midst of an away record that stands as the worst in the Premier League. The Magpies have not won away from St James’ Park since March. Chelsea’s last home game, meanwhile,was also against an opponent from the North-East.
They slaughtered Sunderland 5-0 in their last outing at the Bridge. But Kinnear is expecting his team to be up for it, and hopes that they will manage a shock despite only sitting outside the relegation zone on goal difference.
“Unless I?ve got it badly wrong, I?d assume you wouldn?t have to gee your team up to play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge,” Kinnear concluded.
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