Rafa Benitez has been talking in the Chronicle today and he has said he has not asked Lee Charnley for any assurances about funds being available for the January transfer window.
We have to think the discussions with Lee Charnley have been positive since he joined the club last March and the agreement signed in May probably said Rafa would (always) have money available in each of the transfer windows.
Charnley is basically running the club at an executive level for owner Mike Ashley with significant help on all football matters from Rafa Benitez and is as keen to build the squad as Rafa is.
These two men are completely running the club for Mike Ashley
That’s good – very good
Lee’s strengths are in getting things done – especially in signing players and in general administrative work – and his weakness is in his football knowledge – so it’s a very good partnership with Rafa.
It also seems to be working if we go by last summer’s transfer window – one of the very best ever for Newcastle.
That’s one reason Rafa has said many times since he arrived that he likes working with Lee and certainly the two seem to get along very well.
It could be a key partnership at Newcastle as Mike Ashley continues to let the club be completely run by these two key people at the club.
Rafa has talked about his discussions with Lee Charnley that have led up to the January transfer window:
“We were not talking about money.”
“My conversations with Lee have been about players, not money. We have a good squad. You go to the Championship and try to see players that would maybe better than your players.”
“There are not too many.” “Why do we have to go and pay £20M for a player that’s not better than my players? “
“You go to the Premier League and other leagues. They earn more money and say ‘why do I have to go to the Championship?’”
“You have to be realistic and try to find the piece you need to balance your team.”
“It’s easier to sell the club now, obviously.” “We’re in a good position and doing well so you can talk about a project and the future and it’s fine.”
“Still, it depends on the person. I have some conversations with agents and players about moves but the prices are so high because everyone thinks ‘You’ll pay £20M’ and you want this and that.”
“It makes no sense to bring in a player who is not much better than the player you have on double the others’ salaries.”
“It creates resentment.”
More good thinking from Rafa Benitez whose vast experience of 30 years in football comes through loud and clear.
Comments welcome.
49 comments so far
WWSBRD
Dec 24, 2016 at 12:36 PM
Comment #41Merry Christmas everyone (even the troll like creatures who inhabit this place) hope u all have a good time of it and enjoy battering the next biggest test of the season on Boxing Day
Laurent Robert 32
Dec 24, 2016 at 1:02 PM
Comment #42It’ll be interesting to see how we manage without Shelvey. This season his form has been better than very good, I’d say. He’s looked accomplished, more athletic, more mobile. He can do that in the Premier League as well so it’s not just because we’ve dropped down a division.
We have players who can cover his position, just not cover his role and what he does well.
Belfast
Dec 24, 2016 at 1:05 PM
Comment #43The Wolves players version of events was a hell of a lot more believable than Shelveys. Gayle didn’t even back up Shelveys version and Mitrovic heard nothing hehe (Why was he there ) ??
Looked like he brought a mixed race guy and a Serbian for the panels benefit and they seen right through it.
Would have been a good idea to get your story straight like. Must be as thick as mince.
Belfast
Dec 24, 2016 at 1:07 PM
Comment #44My boxing day bingo entry will be in later by the way.
Essex Geordie Bill
Dec 24, 2016 at 1:08 PM
Comment #45If I was Jonjo the thing that would p!ss me of more than the the fine and the 5 match ban is being made to attend that bl**dy correctional course.
I reckon Rafa (all hail him) is keeping his cards very close to his chest and he has at least 2 new signings lined up for as soon as the window opens.
I don’t see Tiote starting against SW Anita is the obvious replacement for Shelvey imo.
Belfast
Dec 24, 2016 at 1:19 PM
Comment #464-4-2 until we sign a playmaker type Laurent. Probably a lot more direct.
Jib
Dec 24, 2016 at 1:41 PM
Comment #47Yedlin Lascelles Clark Dummett
Ritchie Tiote Hayden Gouffran
Mitrovic Gayle
Most of our attacking down the right flank (as per) with Gouffran keeping Fernando Forestieri quiet.
Jail for Ashley
Dec 24, 2016 at 1:55 PM
Comment #48I won’t see it Belfast. I have just installed the latest Belfast Bingo Blocker software.
Moonraker15
Dec 24, 2016 at 2:14 PM
Comment #49Happy Christmas fellow bloggers and all the best for the Toon in 2017!
Good times are coming back!