“And Ashley deserves the financial loss – £200m is the latest estimate – for blindly trusting Charnley and chief scout Graham Carr to run the club in the first place”.
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However, owner Mike Ashley still wants Rafa Benitez, who started the season at Real Madrid, to stay at the club for next season. That was my impression when I came and I am really flattered by the fans, they have been awesome. “My heart is telling me yes [to stay], it is a great opportunity, city and club but my brain is saying to analyse what is going on.
If they both want to talk with me, it will be fine, no problem”.
Rafa Benitez will decide over the next few days whether or not to pledge his immediate future to getting Newcastle straight back into the Premier League – and it’s magnificent army of fans will certainly be one of the major factors influencing his decision.
Benitez saw his side thrash Spurs, who were still potential champions a fortnight ago, 5-1 despite being down to 10 men and head down to the Championship unbeaten in their last six games under him. When we had scored the third goal I could relax and enjoy the game and feel the atmosphere.
Derby rivals Sunderland’s 3-0 home victory over Everton on Wednesday evening consigned their neighbours to the Sky Bet Championship once again along with Norwich and Aston Villa, casting doubt on the future of manager Rafael Benitez, who has a release clause in the contract he signed in March.
“We are really disappointed because we were working so hard, the staff and the players”, Benitez said. I respect those views, but I would like to reiterate that it has always been my intention to try to achieve the very best for Newcastle United.
“Mike Ashley is keen to talk and I am really pleased that we can sit down and talk”. We have to keep talking.
Us as fans of Newcastle United have an obligation to stick together in times like these.
Newcastle did return to the top flight at the first attempt the last time they were relegated at the end of the 2008-09 season, but they face a challenge to repeat the feat this time around.
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“We knew that without fear, it could be like this”, said Benitez. Andros Townsend looks a good player but other than him, I don’t think there’s anyone else, for me, to still be at the club. That’s it. “Tomorrow they will show their appreciation and we will try to do well for them”.
