The only thing that Rafa Benitez is thinking about this season is to get Newcastle United promoted straight back to the Premier League.
That was his thinking in the summer, when he brought in new players such as Dwight Gayle, Matt Ritchie, Isaac Hayden, Mo Diame and Daryl Murphy – players who had experience playing in England’s second division.
So far that has worked out extremely well and Rafa built a very good squad and they have shown in the first 22 games of the season – one game short of half way – that the side can do well and can fight it out in games when things get tough.
Rafa Benitez – wants Newcastle to be numero uno
What Newcastle don’t necessarily have is a team that can do as well in the Premier League with the current squad.
With no additions to the squad we should be able to do fairly well, but Rafa is extremely ambitious and he wants to have a squad capable of making the top six in the Premier League next season and fight for a place in Europe.
After all, that’s what Rafa is used to and his former clubs like Valencia, Liverpool, Inter-Milan, Napoli and Real Madrid all played in Europe and he’s already won three European trophies.
Rafa will want to do the same thing at Newcastle and he has already said he wants to win trophies at the Tyneside club.
Rafa had a massive clear-out last summer and we think he will do much the same thing this summer with players such as Florian Thauvin, Henri Saivet, Emmanuel Riviere, Kevin Mbabu, Haris Vuckic and Sammy Ameobi all moving out.
Other more established players like players like Tim Krul and Siem de Jong could also leave and players in the current Championship squad such as Massadio Haidara, Daryl Murphy and Chancel Mbemba will likely leave.
Cheick Tiote will leave in January or be released when his contract runs out in June.
And Rafa will want to bring in some very good players who will cost big money and it’s almost certain that Newcastle’s record signing of £17M, when we brought in Michael Owen from Real Madrid in 2005, will be broken.
And some big money will need to be spent in the summer on players brought in to significantly raise the quality of the squad and compete for a top six place.
That’s one reason Alan Shearer has said it will only be in the summer when we see if Mike Ashley is really committed to allowing Rafa build a top side at Newcastle, or whether he will balk at some stage – which would be disastrous for the club.
The changes that Rafa will make this summer may not be as big as the turnover we had last summer, but it’s going to be close.
Last summer’s clear-out and transfers were to get rid of the dead wood and build a side that could be promoted from the Championship at the first attempt.
The contrast is in the summer Rafa will be looking to build a squad that can challenge for the top six in the Premier League.
Rafa’s goals, which he may not state publicly, will be to finish in the top six next season and if we can do that it would be only the second time Newcastle have done that since Mike Ashley bought the club way back in the summer of 2007.
Everything can go well just as long as owner Mike Ashley continues to support Rafa in what he is trying to do and that big money is made available to the Spaniard.
If Newcastle do get promoted this season, things are going to be very exciting for long-suffering Newcastle fans once the summer rolls around, as Rafa bids to make Newcastle into a great side again.
Sounds absolutely great to us.
Howay The Lads!!
55 comments so far
Australian Pie
Dec 20, 2016 at 4:56 PM
Comment #1LW, CAM, ST certainly needed, if not also another RW, LB and CDM
Hopefully get the CAM and LW in January if the right players are available.
MadisonToon
Dec 20, 2016 at 5:06 PM
Comment #2…if the right players are available…definitely the biggest question mark right now. If players are available, I’m confident Rafa will make big and exciting moves. If they aren’t available, we may have a quieter window than we are hoping for but largely due to availability rather than desire from the club.
Australian Pie
Dec 20, 2016 at 5:20 PM
Comment #3Agreed Toon, if the right players aren’t available to buy I wouldn’t be against a CM and LW experienced loan signing to bolster the squad for the season and save the transfer funds for the premier league.
anthc
Dec 20, 2016 at 5:25 PM
Comment #4Mbemba to leave? He has the best footballing brain amongst our cb’s. I hope he doesn’t.
I think a few of our current first teamers will be moved on if promoted. It certainly wouldn’t surprise me. Good players in the championship but average in the prem.
Tsunki
Dec 20, 2016 at 5:32 PM
Comment #5The idea is that Rafa will do something along the lines of Eds Clear out, of course there’s still the matter of seeing whether Mr Ashley’s baseline remit has actually changed. No Im not getting the Ash-Bat out early I’m just saying that it’s a significant hurdle to leap. If Benitez really has caused, or at least is a symptom of, a sea-change in the Ashley management of NUFC then I expect a radical squad rebuild if / when we get promoted. I would expect to be able to count about ten retained from this squad, not many to end up being first team picks next season. And frankly, I expect the winter window to be a preliminary foray into the market for pl quality players. Pre-season needs to be hit running, not the absolute shambles of pointless tours with the second string of previous years.
Jib
Dec 20, 2016 at 5:54 PM
Comment #6Do you honestly all think that Rafa the great forward planner hadn’t already sounded out players for the future the moment Ashley and the legal eagles put pen to paper last May 25th ?
There will be players at clubs around Europe at the moment who know they will be getting a call from Snr. Benitez next spring.
Belfast
Dec 20, 2016 at 5:55 PM
Comment #7Top 6 next season Ed? Hehe
Our aim next season first and foremost will be 40 points and staying in the division. Anything that comes after that will be a bonus. He isn’t a miracle worker like.
Average_Contents
Dec 20, 2016 at 5:55 PM
Comment #8A little more on the shelvey ban and the process people including me were asking about. It’s from the chron so I’ll take it with a pinch of salt.
http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/864080578?-11058:809:0
Average_Contents
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:04 PM
Comment #9A QC will draft the reasons then send them to the FA and us by the end of the week (according to the chrons inside info) we’ll then have 7 days to appeal and in the meantime he can play against Wednesday.
They reckon that saiss had three players backing the accusation. Just shelvey defending it. 3 against 1. Guilty all day long in their eyes (if he is then what a stupid nob)
On a lighter note, there’s nothing better than breaking up for Christmas after a long arse year but still getting paid tomorrow for “working from home” haha.
Ho ho ho to you too poster boy.
Ron Knee
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:05 PM
Comment #10A_C
Interesting point from the article:-
“That Brighton away game is seven matches away. Rafa Benitez will want his best midfielder to play in that match.”
welshgeordie9
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:08 PM
Comment #11Can’t believe shelvey won’t be playing for a while, what a joke.
welshgeordie9
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:09 PM
Comment #12What evidence have they got anyway.
WWSBRD
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:10 PM
Comment #13Ron
I saw that too interesting point
goommy
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:17 PM
Comment #14Rafa should try Mbemba on DM. He got everything to be a superb DM.
Ron Knee
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:19 PM
Comment #15WW
The club can’t do much until they receive the report, but our fixture list is a consideration!
WWSBRD
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:21 PM
Comment #16Ron
Yeah it’s a time frame thing atm isn’t it? We may not get the report before the next game so will Shelvey ban of started before the Wednesday game?
Jail for Ashley
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:28 PM
Comment #17A_C,
Do you even know what a poster boy is you foul mouthed lout?
Ron Knee
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:29 PM
Comment #18WW
“So – to play devil’s advocate – if the FA and Newcastle DON’T have the written reasons by Boxing Day, he’s free to play against Sheffield Wednesday.
“Similarly, if Newcastle decide to wait until the seventh day of the appeal window to decide not to appeal, he could play in BOTH of the Christmas fixtures.”
A strategic decision from Rafa coming up!
AncientC
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:31 PM
Comment #19You only need to look as far back as the Burton game, to witness how integral Shelvey is to the side… Shelvey’s passing setting up both goals.
The side is going to drop points, that I have no doubt over, but the chasing pack are so vulnerable, it wouldn’t be impossible to drop points, and keep the gap as-is.
Essex Geordie Bill
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:38 PM
Comment #20We effectively have three games in hand for the third placed teams to try and catch us.
Even without Shelvey I can’t see us starting to lose games in a way that will allow this to happen.
We have to be able to play and win without some or any of our star players. He could just as easily be injured for several games, it would be the same thing.
No need to panic.
firebug666
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:38 PM
Comment #21I think that Shelvey himself will have a big part to play in the coming decisions on going to appeal or not, I mean if the lad is innocent would he want to spend the rest of his career branded a racist?
I know what I would do if I was innocent, I would fight it tooth and nail, and if still found guilty, I would tell the whole world what a bunch of lying inept scumbags the FA are, and the supposed three wolves players too.
3 to 1 he had no chance, but looking back, only one wolves player was alleged to have overheard a remark so where did the other two come from?
WWSBRD
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:39 PM
Comment #22Ron
Will be interesting to see what Rafa/Shelvey decide to do
WWSBRD
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:44 PM
Comment #23firebug
Reading that it seems to me u think Wolves and the FA are out to get Shelvey, u can’t actually think that surely?
Jail for Ashley
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:46 PM
Comment #24Tsunki,
I have been dead against mid table mediocrity, in fact it bored me to tears while Mcardew tried to achieve it. As it happens though I am fully expecting it next year and embrace it, personally I think this team we have now would survive in the PL simply because of the manager and aura of the stadium afded to the confidence of finishing as Champions. But this team won’t be tge one playing in the PL next year, the manager has aalready said better players will be needed, whether that means Gouffran getting moved on or Anita getting a new deal, Lascelles getting moved to vice captain or Dummet and Colback getting shifted, none of us know what is in store but I have full confidence in my belief that Rafa hasn’t instilled the belief in the City, put Geordie translation sheets in his staffs offices whike visiting our few historic landmarks just to bag himself a better fix at W Ham.
firebug666
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:47 PM
Comment #25WWSBRD
Not so mate, but Shelvey has been adamant he is innocent, I prefer to give him the benefit of doubt.
Still questions to be answered, How come one hearsay player turned into three.
WWSBRD
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:48 PM
Comment #26http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4051438/Jonjo-Shelvey-banned-five-games-fined-100-000-using-insulting-words-Wolves-midfielder-Romain-Saiss.html
Mail seem to think they know what Shelvey said
WWSBRD
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:48 PM
Comment #27firebug
Maybe it was 3 all along and the papers got it wrong?
WWSBRD
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:49 PM
Comment #28firebug
Also wasn’t hearsay tbf
firebug666
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:55 PM
Comment #29WWSBRD
Well whatever the comment it was not aimed at the player who (waited to) report it, but he allegedly overheard a comment aimed at one of his team mates. He then waited till the match was over to make a report to the ref.
The whole thing stinks.
Jib
Dec 20, 2016 at 6:56 PM
Comment #30The only two games that Shelvey hasn’t started were early in the season when he came on for Hayden late on in both games.
One was the away defeat to Fulham , the other was away to Bristol City which we won 0-1.
The only other time he didn’t complete 90 minutes was his red card against Forest when the team down to 9 men in the second half performed so valiantly.
The alternatives would appear to be
1
Hayden to give Shelvey’s free roaming role his best shot for 5 games.
2
Change to 4-4-2 for 5 matches utilising Mitro/Murphy alongside Perez/Gayle
WWSBRD
Dec 20, 2016 at 7:00 PM
Comment #31firebug
I don’t understand what difference it makes about whether the player(s) reported it during the match or straight after tbh the results the same. The ref couldn’t of done any different
Nor the he doesn’t speak English bit either (not that Uve said it but I’ve seen it on here a few times) neither affect the core issue which is whether Shelvey was racist to another human being
Average_Contents
Dec 20, 2016 at 7:02 PM
Comment #32Ron knee
Tactical indeed. I suppose it depends on when we receive those reasons. Rafa could let it play out or squeeze the most time out that he can. Either way it’s looking like we’ll be without the numpty for 5 games (I can’t see it getting overturned tbh)
Poster boy
I’ll be sure to remind you of your foul mouth when you open it. I’m sure it won’t be long.
I’ve just got the feeling of De ja vu.
It’s turning into a weekly occurrence this.
firebug666
Dec 20, 2016 at 7:04 PM
Comment #33WWSBRD
So really if he is innocent you are happy for him to bite the bullet, take the fine and ban and move on then?
All I’m saying is that if he is innocent as he claims, the he should fight it tooth and nail to clear his name.
Jib
Dec 20, 2016 at 7:05 PM
Comment #34firebug
you are right the whole thing stinks – but if 3 guys collude to tell porkies one is cattled basically !
These things have a way of evening themselves out.
Maybe we’ll draw Wolves later in the season in the FA cup with a decent ref and give them a good kicking.
Average_Contents
Dec 20, 2016 at 7:12 PM
Comment #35That mail article says that mitro and gayle gave evidence supporting shelvey. Saiss had himself and two others.
Unless there’s video/sound evidence then I can’t possibly see how they’ve found him guilty on a he said she said. In effect someone’s word against someone else’s (3 each in this case)
Has it boiled down to who the panel believed to be telling the truth? Or viewed as more trustworthy than the others?
That’s the only possible explanation without recordings (if they don’t have any that is)
I’m guessing they do have something otherwise that’s shocking in my book.
If he has done it then he needs the book thrown at him.
WWSBRD
Dec 20, 2016 at 7:14 PM
Comment #36firebug
Am saying there’s been an investigation, an appeal process and evidence heard by an independent panel and this is the decision they have come too
If he’s innocent he should fight it of course but do I think he’s innocent? That’s more the question there
toonbrother
Dec 20, 2016 at 7:19 PM
Comment #37out
Riviere,
Saivet
Armstrong
Hanley
Tiote
Thauvin
Elliot
Vuckic,
Mbabu,
toonbrother
Dec 20, 2016 at 7:21 PM
Comment #38out contd
Murphy
Arrons
Good
Satka
Dejong
toonbrother
Dec 20, 2016 at 7:21 PM
Comment #39in
Another CentreBack
Another Creative midfielder
Another Centre Forward
welshgeordie9
Dec 20, 2016 at 7:24 PM
Comment #40Bit harsh on Hanley and Murphy.