The Telegraph (Luke Edwards) are reporting today that Rafa Benitez will meet with the Newcastle owner Mike Ashley for crucial talks in London on his new contract.
The meeting is said to be at a secret location – maybe even Mike’s home – well maybe not – probably at some hotel in London.
It will be a face to face meeting and a rare business meeting between the two men – with Lee Charnley also expected to be present.
Let’s hope and pray things can get sorted out quickly.
A smart looking Rafa Benitez in Spain earlier this year
Mr. Benitez will again be asking if the owner shares his high ambitions for the club – and quite honestly Rafa may be disappointed with what Ashley has to say on that score.
The Telegraph reports that Ashley and Benitez have had a tense relationship over the last two seasons, and of course, both are stubborn, outspoken and successful men – but surely they can work together for the good of Newcastle United FC?
Both men can benefit greatly from Newcastle becoming a top team in England again.
Benitez has not been given the financial support he has expected over the last two seasons since bringing us straight back up to the Premier League from the Championship two years ago.
Rafa has already done a magnificent job for us over the last three years.
So whether he stays or goes let’s not forget how this man – almost single-handedly and by the strength of his will and character – has brought everybody together behind the team and the club.
Good news to end this – the Telegraph reports this at the end of their article:
“The mood heading into the talks has been described as being positive on both sides.”
“With a willingness to compromise in order for Benitez to feel comfortable enough to sign an extension to a deal that is due to expire at the end of June.”
And so say all of us!
Comments welcome.
17 comments so far
DubaiMicky
May 16, 2019 at 9:10 AM
Comment #1Meanwhile Rafa is now odds on to be the next Celtic Manager…
Apparently a shed load of cash put on overnight.
RobLeenio
May 16, 2019 at 9:11 AM
Comment #2What I would hope for is that the major clauses have been sorted by Rafa’s ‘people’ who he has stated have been talking with the club for weeks and there remains only some minor details, over which one or both will have to give ground.
Maybe even Rafa just wanting to look into Ashley’s eyes and see the truth within.
It seems unlikely that they would meet if they were still miles apart. After all, they are both busy men.
Charnley will play a crucial role, presumably, having been closer to Rafa than anyone over the last three years. He should understand completely where Rafa is coming from and his decision to support him or not will be vital in Rafa getting his message across to Jabba the Mutt.
Best outcome – they are there to dot the ‘I’s and cross the ‘T’s and we get an announcement later today that a contract has been agreed and signed.
More realistically, we get some kind of news to that effect in a couple of days, once the contract has been drawn up and ratified by both parties after agreeing the terms today.
Worst case, they realise that the trust is gone and they cannot work together any more. I think this is unlikely, but admit it’s possible.
Optimistic Panda
May 16, 2019 at 9:12 AM
Comment #3Munster
I dont see what the past trouble in Ireland has to do with the blog but you’re happy to put the English down and drag past politics on the blog when it suits you.
Same as the constant name calling and inferring other post are thick dumb etc.
I suggest you see a psychiatrist about your victim’s mentality, never you is it?
supermac69
May 16, 2019 at 9:27 AM
Comment #4ads, I’m sitting on a Ryanair flight to Malaga as we speak and who’s here but lacselles and ciarsn clark with there partners, lol, I asked him if Rafa was staying but says he knows nowt
#slumming it with the fans
supermac69
May 16, 2019 at 9:28 AM
Comment #5Lads
supermac69
May 16, 2019 at 9:28 AM
Comment #6And lasses sorry
martoon
May 16, 2019 at 9:28 AM
Comment #7I’m pretty sure Luke Edwards is making an educated guess – it was said earlier that the meeting was scheduled for later in the week (at Rafa’s request) which logically leads you to think Thursday!
RobLeenio
May 16, 2019 at 9:45 AM
Comment #8Anyone on #chopperwatch?
RobLeenio
May 16, 2019 at 9:46 AM
Comment #9😉
Jib
May 16, 2019 at 9:55 AM
Comment #10If they are meeting it’s the endgame.
The representatives will have thrashed things out.
We’ll know one way the other by the weekend/early next week
hibbit
May 16, 2019 at 9:56 AM
Comment #11Martoon the chronicle have just put this up !!!!!
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-chiefs-rafa-benitez-16282889
DubaiMicky
May 16, 2019 at 10:02 AM
Comment #12hibbit, it doesn’t say anything Luke Edwards has already said though.
hibbit
May 16, 2019 at 10:06 AM
Comment #13Micky i agree, but i would say that today is a knocking bet for the meeting
DubaiMicky
May 16, 2019 at 10:08 AM
Comment #14hibbit, Insh’allah, as they say (very annoyingly) over here.
RobLeenio
May 16, 2019 at 10:14 AM
Comment #15hibbit, just because martoon said he thought it may be an educated guess doesn’t mean that it can’t be accurate, just that there is a chance that it’s wrong.
There’s no substance in that article you linked, either, honestly.
Anyone else hate being in the dark?
Rotonda heights
May 16, 2019 at 10:20 AM
Comment #16Munster,
I’m not sure if you’re trying to achieve martyrdom with your incessant ” I dared to question Rafa ” mantra.
hibbit
May 16, 2019 at 10:21 AM
Comment #17RobLeenio
as i said to micky i agree everyone is guessing but my moneys on today