For Rafa Benitez to stay on at Newcastle not only meant he would visit very small grounds with facilities he hadn’t confronted since his early days as a manager, but he would literally disappear from view on thew world scene – because everything in English football is about the Premier League – everything.
Remember this is a man who had coached Real Madrid, Inter-Milan and Chelsea since leaving Liverpool in the summer of 2010 – these are all world-class clubs all of which have won the Champions League and other European trophies.
It’s much worse in England than it was back in 2009 when we were first relegated from the Premier League – you are now very much second class football citizens if you’re a second division side.
I’m not saying it’s good, but that’s the truth.
Rafa Benitez – the proud and dedicated Newcastle United manager
So it still amazes us that Rafa stayed with Newcastle and not only that, but he seemed to enjoy it and took on the challenge of how to beat clubs like Burton Albion and Rotherham United.
Yes, we got the double over both of them although Fulham, Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers all got the double over us – and Rovers may still be relegated.
So it wasn’t easy and in the end we made it back up immediately.
🙂
So it wasn’t all plain sailing, but Rafa’s utter determination to have his squad learn from all the mistakes they made augers well for the future.
And now we have players like Matt Ritchie, Ciaran Clark, Paul Dummett, DeAndre Yedlin, Jonjo Shelvey, Dwight Gayle and others who will know exactly what Rafa wants from them next season.
That was not true when pre-season started last summer, when we eventually had 12 new players in the squad and they all had to be quickly assimilated into the squad.
When Mr. Benitez finally looks back on his long and successful career when he retires in the (very) distant future, he could well look at this season as one of his most satisfying of all – he showed what a terrific coach he really is.
Just ask our players who he talks to all the time.
He took on a tough task that would get little or no publicity and got the job done – he got it done successfully and saved a City’s dreams too – Newcastle.
That is what amazes us most about Rafa staying at Newcastle and it shows not only his personal courage, but also his complete and utter trust in his own ability.
But that he is also dedicated to Newcastle United.
When he talks with owner Mike Ashley soon, Mike should realize if Rafa had left last summer, there would be no way we would now be a Premier League club.
No way at all because Rafa, his name, personality and charisma attracted top players like Dwight Gayle, Matt Richie and Issac Hayden among others to Newcastle.
Here’s what Rafa has said today, when he spoke to the Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, principally about the state of Serie A football.
He starts off talking about where he’s been this last year:
“I had not disappeared, I chose to stay in Newcastle because I wanted to regain that Premier League that we had tried to defend when I arrived, but I found a desperate situation.”
“Promotion is a gift to all of Newcastle. It was not purgatory. It is a season which can give satisfaction to everyone.”
“We tried to get promoted and we succeeded.”
“We had the weight of a huge responsibility, and I felt it too here that I found myself elevated to the role of idol.”
“At Inter it felt like a massive wasted opportunity, which I have pointed out many times.”
“When I first arrived, I received promises that were not kept.”
“I had laid out a path, the moment had come to change out of necessity, the average age of the squad was too high.”
“It wasn’t my fault that things ended badly and after all, I contributed to bringing the Italian Super Cup and the Club World Cup into their trophy room.”
So when we have that wonderful celebration next Sunday afternoon at the venerable St. James’ Park packed to the rafters, whether we end up winning the Championship or not, let’s hear it for Rafa Benitez who is not only a great coach but also shows definite signs of becoming a great man.
And his best years in coaching are still ahead of him at Newcastle United Football Club.
He has definitely both mellowed and matured since he was a young coach at places like Liverpool FC and Valencia so in other words he is now a better coach than he was back then – by his own admission.
And wouldn’t it be great if Mike Ashley and Rafa Benitez see eye to eye on Newcastle’s future and get on famously at their one-on-one meeting coming up – hopefully this week.
That’s what we really want to see after their meeting, which is absolutely vital to the future of the club.
🙂
Howay The Bonnie Lads!!
Comments welcome.
107 comments so far
ShirebrookToon
Apr 30, 2017 at 8:58 PM
Comment #41Jazzy,
Cheers mate. You going to Barnsley game?
ShirebrookToon
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:01 PM
Comment #42Rolando,
I personally would keep Dummett. Yeah he’s not world class but he can defo do a job in the prem imo
jazzyp
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:02 PM
Comment #43Shirebrook
No mate.Spent all my pennies on the Joshua fight.
Thought the Froch v Bute night was a cracker at the Notts ice arena but that was something else
GeordieTwo
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:04 PM
Comment #44We need a bit of everything to be top 7 in the Prem. A much better back 4, another top winger, a top number 10 and a much fitter goal poacher. I don’t see us filling all those needs this summer. We will have to put players on the pitch who will struggle at times. Don’t be too disappointed if we don’t get it all done straight away lads.
ShirebrookToon
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:04 PM
Comment #45Jazzy,
Aye it was a cracking fight last night. I’m going up for last game mate. Gonna be rockin!
ShirebrookToon
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:07 PM
Comment #46G2
Your right there mate. It’s gonna take at least 3 – 4 transfer windows to get us into the Top 7,8
jazzyp
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:14 PM
Comment #47Shirebrook
Are you in the Gallowgate again ??
I’ll be honest i thought the title was blown a few weeks ago, But Brighton are capitulating big time.
I defo see Villa getting something out of the game, So so long as we win the title’s ours.
GeordieTwo
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:16 PM
Comment #48That’s what I’m seeing Shirebrook mate. A steady buildup towards top 7 or 8. Rafa is steady and patient and I think luck seems to follow him around as well. He doesn’t allow the highs and lows to affect him. That’s the advantage of an experienced manager who has seen it all. Europa league after 2 seasons back up would work for me. And some good efforts in the domestic cups of course.
GeordieTwo
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:17 PM
Comment #49Also I’m seeing us watch with amazement as Sunderland drop down another division after next season.
jazzyp
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:18 PM
Comment #50No income tax, no VAT, no money back for Shelvey, Black AND white, Rich or Poor? We’ll win the league if Brighton draaaaaaw….
ShirebrookToon
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:21 PM
Comment #51Jazzy,
No mate I’m in the Leazes West Corner. Managed to get hold of one off Facebook. After Brightons loss to Norwich and the way the other results went in our favour. I thought all is not lost. Brighton have caved under pressure. Agent Bruce has been deployed lol
ShirebrookToon
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:28 PM
Comment #52G2
Hopefully this is the Sleeping Giant awakening. Exciting times ahead.
Don’t fcuk it up Mike pleeeeaaaaasssseee!!
Howay Rafa.
ShirebrookToon
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:29 PM
Comment #53PMSL @ Jazzy
Nice one 😀
GeordieTwo
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:31 PM
Comment #54Howay the lads! Howay pissing ourselves laughing! Long live the Toon!
Bobbybee
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:35 PM
Comment #55I think people should lower their sights a bit, or there will be more meltdowns on here next season. Not saying we won’t do well, just that being realistic gives you capacity to be surprised. Expecting top seven might result in disappointment. For me top seven would be beyond my expectations. Rafa’s a brilliant manager, not doubting him, but every team in the league will have more than us to spend because of what they earned this season. I’ll take mid table as a good season and anything higher is a bonus.
As for Shelvey, I just don’t get it. He’s our best player. He’s improved under Rafa leaps and bounds from where he was when he joined us, so comparing him to previous seasons in the PL is pointless. A sixty yard pass landing on a sixpence is every bit as effective in the PL as it is in the Championship. He’s the last player we need an upgrade on imo.
ShirebrookToon
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:39 PM
Comment #56Bobby,
Like I said earlier. I will take us atleast 3-4 windows to get into the top 7. Next season is all about establishing ourselves in the EPL. A cup run would be nice too.
Geremi's Prosthetic Leg Fund
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:42 PM
Comment #57For me, it’s important we don’t get too ahead of ourselves like usual and expect too much too soon.
I’ve no doubt Rafa (providing he stays) will want to push for a top half finish but for me I’d be content with a solid campaign that sees us comfortably stay up and have a decent cup run. No running before we can walk. We will improve with a proper footballing model under Rafa and it will be so refreshing to see us operate within the interest of the sport and not the revenue for the first time in near 10 years.
That said, I am firmly in the evolution not revolution camp with regard to squad maintenance. We don’t need a huge amount to be competitive for me – I agree with those saying 5/6 top quality players in the £15 – £20 million bracket should see us where we need to be.
If the £70 odd million being suggested for Rafa is close, that plus a few sales should see us with around the £100 million to spend which should cover it.
Incomings should start with priorities at LB, ST, CM, CB, LW and then 1 or 2 others as upgrades.
Watching Boro, Hull, Swansea this year without good enough strikers has proven that a top marksman is critically important – we can perform as well as we want but if we can’t convert we will be In trouble.
Gayle could be a solution but this year his injuries have shown that we can’t rely on him – Mitrovic in my opinion isn’t good enough and will never be prolific. As for who to come in – that’s the difficulty.
Left back, Lazaar clearly isn’t ready or good enough for being thrown in the deep end and Dummett, whilst solid, just doesn’t have enough talent going forward. He is dependable back up though. Hopefully we target a few domestic based players who have experience – a couple of options for me would be Ben Davies of Spurs or Andy Robertson from Hull as realistic signings that improve us with the right attitude.
CB I would traget Ben Gibson of Boro, good player with the right attributes, if we are selling Mbemba he would be a good replacement. Michael Keane of Burnley would be an alternative but I think he will be going top 6.
Wingers I would happily see a Rafa special from the continent with pace and trickery. Atsu has potential but for starting berths we need consistent performers.
CM is tough because who do we replace? Shelvey should be built around in the middle as he has the talent but can’t be expected to do everything. Hayden has been excellent this season and a great signing – but will he be good enough week in week out in the Prem? For me a third CM with big talent to rotate with these 2 should see us good for the middle. Colback i would like to keep as 4th choice as we know he has the right character and will put a shift in when Called upon. – Could be worth looking at Imbula at Stoke, very talented and very highly rated but just hasn’t settled in Stoke. Could Rafa get his head down and get him performing? If not Oxlade – Chamberlain could be a cheeky option as he’s at a crossroads.
As for the rest id be happy with a potential youngster and perhaps another older head in the Rooney mold? Could be a good match with him coming in as a leader.
So much to think about.
sing in the corner
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:43 PM
Comment #58Bobby@58
Too true. No problem with dreaming as long as you’re aware that’s what it is!
I was watching the North London derby this afternoon. Man, the pace is terrific now, this high pressing threatens to overwhelm teams not ready for it. Some top, fast, skilful players in the top half. We need to dig in, be solid and tough to beat with a counter attack threat and see where we are at once we get a foot hold.
ShirebrookToon
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:46 PM
Comment #59I’ll just be happy to reach the fcukin fourty point mark. That’s an achievement right there! 😀
Bobbybee
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:49 PM
Comment #60G2, I won’t be at all surprised if the mackems are in a relegation battle next season matey. Short will be wanting some money back before he finds a buyer and owners thinking of selling up see investing money in players as money wasted in the lower leagues. (By lower I mean anything beneath the PL). They’re unlikely to recoup it in the sale after all. People only want to pay big money for PL clubs after all.
Who can they sell to raise funds? Pickford yes, and er, Pickford will bring money in. Then there’s always Pickford. Apart from Pickford they’ll struggle. Defoe will go for nowt. They’ll need to sell to reduce wages though, so if they raise 30m they’ve done well. Can’t see a queue for their players, can you?
The rest will find the Championship a struggle. Moyes? Wow. Clueless. Yup, I see a long hard season ahead for them and I’m loving it frankly. Let’s all laugh at Sunlun. 🙂
Legolas
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:49 PM
Comment #61Who thinks Kieron Gibbs would be a good signing? English, youngish and doesn’t play a lot for Arsenal.
ShirebrookToon
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:52 PM
Comment #62Legolas,
Gibbs wouldn’t be a bad shout
jimmysmith
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:53 PM
Comment #63I think the war chest will be the balance of the money that Rafa made from the transfer market last summer, plus what he can generate from sales, plus whatever else he wants. 80 million plus.
He’s got the owner by the nuts, but he doesn’t overplay his hand, so we won’t see a falling out at this stage. Although of course at some point looking at each mans histories they almost will certainly will. But for the moment, Rafa, the club, and the fans have the whip hand, and the owner has little wriggle room.
We’ve got him on a long overdue learning curve.
GeordieTwo
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:54 PM
Comment #64This is a wonderful time we’re living in lads. We’re heading in the right direction! Sunderland are heading in the right direction! We’re all heading in the right direction!
sing in the corner
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:54 PM
Comment #65Legolas
Aye I was just thinking that watching the game earlier. Wonder if he was mates with Isaac? He might put a good word in!
GeordieTwo
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:54 PM
Comment #66It’s a beautiful moment and we should all appreciate it.
sing in the corner
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:55 PM
Comment #67G2
Which direction do you think Boro are heading?
ShirebrookToon
Apr 30, 2017 at 9:58 PM
Comment #68Sing
Whereabouts do you sit mate at st James’?
sing in the corner
Apr 30, 2017 at 10:00 PM
Comment #69Shire
Gallowgate east.. Right at the end next to the Corner section..
Hard lines going in the Leazes fella. Although it should be raucous all over for this game! 🙂
GeordieTwo
Apr 30, 2017 at 10:01 PM
Comment #70That’s a beautiful thought as well sing mate. Thanks for bringing that up. Middlesbrough are just getting ready to peak. One or two more matches and they’ll peak. So yes they’re headed in the right direction as well.
ShirebrookToon
Apr 30, 2017 at 10:03 PM
Comment #71Sing
I’m not bothered where I sit mate. The atmosphere will be electric and I can atleast say I was there 🙂
sing in the corner
Apr 30, 2017 at 10:06 PM
Comment #72Yeah it’s gonna be fantastic!
Wonder how they will decide which ground gets the dummy, which gets the real trophy for presentation??
Can’t believe it’s even on the agenda!
Send it to us!
Or I’ll send Mitro round!
GeordieTwo
Apr 30, 2017 at 10:07 PM
Comment #73The numbers on here from people suggesting how much Rafa will get to spend are getting bigger and bigger. Settle down lads! I’ll be first to say it will be at least 100M! Yes you heard it here first. At least 100 M!!
Pesos that is.
GeordieTwo
Apr 30, 2017 at 10:07 PM
Comment #74Errrm. What is the peso pound conversion rate!
sing in the corner
Apr 30, 2017 at 10:08 PM
Comment #75Shire
You will be pretty close to the boy Bobbybee!
GeordieTwo
Apr 30, 2017 at 10:08 PM
Comment #76We’re getting a dummy if we win sing mate? That doesn’t seem fair even if wor owner is always throwing his dummy out of the pram.
ShirebrookToon
Apr 30, 2017 at 10:09 PM
Comment #77100m pesos to the pound G2 mate.
GeordieTwo
Apr 30, 2017 at 10:10 PM
Comment #78“World-weary, worn-down and damaged goods.” Isn’t that an amazing headline for Moyes?
sing in the corner
Apr 30, 2017 at 10:10 PM
Comment #79G2
Ha ha welcome back mate!
ShirebrookToon
Apr 30, 2017 at 10:10 PM
Comment #80Sing,
Aye I will. Is he Level 7?