It was a magnificent day for Newcastle fans everywhere yesterday, as everything came together and not only did we easily win our final game of the season 3-0 at home to Barnsley, but we managed to pip Brighton to the Championship after a late equalizer from Jack Grealish meant the game at Villa Park ended 1-1.
We also saw photos taken of a jovial Mike Ashley with the Championship trophy and also a great shot of Mike, Rafa and Lee Charnley all smiling and looking like they were together.
Hope that’s true.
Rafa Benitez – the Man of the Moment
Rafa is getting more and more confident that he can work with Mike Ashley to put together an overall joint blueprint for how Mr. Benitez will take the club forward over the next several years to (unlimited) success.
Yesterday was one of those times when you just have to experience it – suck it all in – and words cannot come close to describing how Newcastle fans felt – so proud and happy and overjoyed.
This is what Rafa said after the game:
“I don’t have the English words to describe what happened,”
“It’s difficult to say because I have been a manager for so many years but you appreciate it more when you get older and you feel the emotion around the city and the stadium and everywhere.”
“I would like to dedicate the title to everyone involved – the staff, the players, the fans, everyone.”
“Thank you to all of them. I said before that we had to come with a smile on our faces, and maybe go back home with an even bigger smile.”
“I am really proud of these players, everyone.” “You can see and feel that the fans were very emotional.”
“It was the same as the last game of the last season, but in a different way.” “It was much better.”
“I will meet Ashley next week, but it’s always important for him, for us, to feel the love of the fans and the passion in the stadium.”
“I already have an idea of what a successful club could look like. I think also he has an idea.” “I think we have to put both ideas together next week.”
“I think it is the right time to talk, if not it doesn’t matter.” “We will be in contact to be sure we share the same ambition about how to improve.”
“How to be competitive and to do the right things for everyone.”
What we’d like to see happen and we think it will – is that Rafa gets a (very) long term deal from Ashley.
Maybe a 10 year deal – so he has the security to know he’s at Newcastle for a long time and he can start building Newcastle United into a European Powerhouse.
This is the best outcome we could have hoped for this season, which could well be a very important milestone in Newcastle United’s long and glorious history.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
185 comments so far
hibbit
May 8, 2017 at 7:56 AM
Comment #1don’t know about anyone else but this morning i’m total knackered absolutely done in still can’t talk
what a day totally loved it
few and far between days like that for newcastle fans
Shoulders knees
May 8, 2017 at 7:58 AM
Comment #2Lovely day today! Can’t stop smiling.
sing in the corner
May 8, 2017 at 8:04 AM
Comment #3Yeah I wish I’d put a days holiday in to chill today. Adrenaline has flowed through the body for the last day and a bit and left shell shock – but in a good way!
Gonna soak this weekend up, cos hibbitt is right, it’s special and comes along for us a bit too rarely – up to now that is! 🙂
ShirebrookToon
May 8, 2017 at 8:21 AM
Comment #4I’m shattered. But I’m still smiling 🙂
Geordiedownunder
May 8, 2017 at 8:21 AM
Comment #5Don’t I recall a statement live on TV from Ashley that he wouldn’t sell until we won something?….. guess what….
Jib
May 8, 2017 at 8:32 AM
Comment #6Geordiedownunder
Why t- f- are people talking about Ashley selling up on a day like today?
I that the best that pitiful mackems wums can come up with ?
lochinvar
May 8, 2017 at 8:34 AM
Comment #7Productivity will start to increase from Tuesday earliest ( Monday is day of rest )
Birth rate up in nine months
Tyne is sparkling
Council are out polishing the bridges
Ground trembling from dancing Geordies
Big smile across the world
Rafa knighted
First day of summer
Canny really
Jail for Ashley
May 8, 2017 at 8:36 AM
Comment #8Jiblets,
There are more pitiful mackem wums who’d like to see MA remain as owner than genuine toon fans.
Jib
May 8, 2017 at 8:38 AM
Comment #9Is – even
ShirebrookToon
May 8, 2017 at 8:40 AM
Comment #10Sing, Hibbitt
It’s nice to be able to say we were there. Every inch of my body is aching. Voice is croaky! All good though 🙂
Jail for Ashley
May 8, 2017 at 8:45 AM
Comment #11Shirebroom,
I’m poorly today and plan to spend the day in bed.
Jib
May 8, 2017 at 8:47 AM
Comment #12That’s your problem Jail
You think you talk for all fans with your non stop boring criticism of MA.
Most fans I talk to take the the Bobby Bee line – that , while he seems to have taken on board his mistakes and errors and seem to be trying to rectify them – why rock the boat ?
Bobbybee
May 8, 2017 at 8:47 AM
Comment #13Like I said yesterday, that was worth a season in the Championship. Much better than the last time we won it, but probably down the dramatic way it happened.
Think back just a couple of weeks or so when we lost at Ipswich. The total meltdown and to an extent the abuse I got for my passion in countering it by reminding them it wasn’t over and we could still do it. 🙂 Never give up whilst there’s hope and a mathematical possibility.
Yesterday was brilliant to be there an experience. That was exactly what I mean when I say when you experience the downs, the ups are always that bit more special. Week after week of watching what can fairly be described as garbage the last few seasons, suddenly forgotten in a whirlwind of emotion and joy. These are the moments you live for as a football fan. These are the moments that make the effort of sitting in the rain, wondering if there could be better ways of spending your weekends, but knowing you will never change. Magical moments like yesterday make it so worthwhile. Bring on the PL. 🙂
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
May 8, 2017 at 8:48 AM
Comment #14That title win I hope it brought you some joy ED!
All the best for you in the future and hope you enjoyed that yesterday!!
Jail for Ashley
May 8, 2017 at 8:55 AM
Comment #15Brook 😀
ShirebrookToon
May 8, 2017 at 8:55 AM
Comment #16Jail,
Wish I’d booked the day off. Got a job on in Leeds this week. Think I’ll wear my Toon hat 😀
catchy in norway
May 8, 2017 at 8:58 AM
Comment #17oooops Bully in the house
Jail for Ashley
May 8, 2017 at 8:59 AM
Comment #18Jiblets,
I very rarely mention MA these days, I was responding to your post. You sound like you don’t live in the area, so what fans do you talk to.
lochinvar
May 8, 2017 at 9:07 AM
Comment #19Shirebrook@18
That’ll be a Top Hat then ?
catchy in norway
May 8, 2017 at 9:10 AM
Comment #20Jail who cares what fans he talks to.
i live in norway and i have a load of norwegian friends to talk to about NUFC who support NUFC.
in fact a good friend of mine was playing football over here against a lot of old NUFC players on Sat, John anderson , Mclenn and many others , of which i could have been too, but i was already committed football school for kids.
Jail for Ashley
May 8, 2017 at 9:12 AM
Comment #21Catchy,
You obviously care or you wouldn’t have mentioned.
ShirebrookToon
May 8, 2017 at 9:12 AM
Comment #22Loch
It is a TOP hat. How’d you guess lol
Bobbybee
May 8, 2017 at 9:16 AM
Comment #23Jail, dunno how you have the nerve to talk about me. Has there been ONE DAY you haven’t come on and had a dig at someone? Just one day? What a dick. Don’t bother, I’m out of here. Going to the hospital and whatever I’m getting done has got to be less uncomfortable than listening you you dig dig dig, all day long.
Anyway, I leave a happy man and before that’s ruined I’m away. Got the elastic band treatment at the hospital to look froward to in half an hour 🙂 Knew the joy couldn’t last lmao. Be back to comment on signings but I can’t be doing with the everyday crap of close season on here. I’ll leave that and the rest of you to the anally retentive crew telling you all how Ashley is going to mess it all up again, whilst in reality he gives Rafa an extended contract and happy days arrive. Enjoy your summer everyone.
Tsunki
May 8, 2017 at 9:16 AM
Comment #24If Rafa can get across to Mike the notion that in a sporting entertainment business being competitive on the field equates to being competitive in the business then it will be job done. It’s the idea that sporting achievement is a romantic secondary to maximising revenue by percentages that has hampered him thus far. I hope this season with El Jefe in charge has rectified his outlook finally and this filters down through the ranks as a new ambition. I suppose we will see when the transfer window opens.
Budge123
May 8, 2017 at 9:17 AM
Comment #25Not a magic hat then?
lochinvar
May 8, 2017 at 9:17 AM
Comment #26Shirebrook
Bought from Top Shop in Newcastle no doubt
Top of the day to you
I’ll stop there….but the smiles all round tell the story
Tsunki
May 8, 2017 at 9:18 AM
Comment #27Was somebody talking about Bobby? I missed that 😐
Charlie in the Gallowgate
May 8, 2017 at 9:19 AM
Comment #28Still buzzing this morning
Been up since five AM heres my report on how it went yesterday
Bloody hell just got in emotionally drained – what a roller-coater last ten minutes.
Excellent atmosphere yet not brilliant/electric.
Funny couldn’t get reception in Gallowgate – all kinds of rumours flying until a noise came from the Leazes end and the barnsley fans who started chanting – word went around Brighton had a pen and scored. Stadium went quite and the players seemed to know that Brighton scored.
scored third muted celebration. Barnsley kicked-off and a murmuring from the leazes end got louder and louder breaking into a creshendo of noise rang round the ground when the news finally got through that Villa had equalised.
Final whistle went and Villa were still playing weird atmosphere then the final result came through place bloody erupted
First twenty minutes started slowly as if we were nervous gave the ball away all-to often. Grew into the game and when we scored only one team going to win.
My players ratings
Elliot 7 pulled off a great save with boot to keep us 2-0 up but a bit uncertain whether to come off his line or stay.
Dummett 8 had a excellent game at full back and centre half
Mbemba 8 got in couple of good tackles others a bit weak but over-all played well and a goal to cap his performance.
Yedlin 8 bundle of energy and linked up with Atsu down the right to give Barnsley problems all game
Shelvey 6 struggled today looked like he was carrying a injury
Hayden – not on long enough
Hiadara 7 started slowly but as the game went on got better
Colback 9 My man of the Match – got in some crunching tackles distribution good but ran out of steam last ten minutes giving away silly fouls.
Goufran 8 had a exeellent game chased and harried every ball got in some good headers – good game some tackles bit weak.
Perez 8.5 Another who had a execllent game scored a great goal linked up with Atsu and Yedlin down the right to cause problems to Barnsley all afternoon.
Atsu 8.5 Another who had a great game – would of gave him MOM but faded second half
Mitrovich 8 led the line well set up Gayle for the third with a deft header. Also played well in defence got in some crucial headers but needs to do that up front instead of wanting to chest the ball down all the time.
Diame and Gayle not on long enough but Gayle took his goal well
Jail for Ashley
May 8, 2017 at 9:22 AM
Comment #29Bobbybee,
I’m not talking about you, get over yourself. Your mate Jib calls someone a mackem wum for suggesting Mikey might want to sell and you crawl ftom under your rock to have a pop at me.
catchy in norway
May 8, 2017 at 9:24 AM
Comment #30of course i care
Jail for Ashley
May 8, 2017 at 9:28 AM
Comment #31Catchy,
So why did you ask who cares?
WWSBRD
May 8, 2017 at 9:29 AM
Comment #32I see Jail is having a fun morning already haha
WWSBRD
May 8, 2017 at 9:30 AM
Comment #33Where is this list Ed has posted about what ur not allowed to discuss anymore? For the life of me I cant find it
Budge123
May 8, 2017 at 9:31 AM
Comment #34Charlie – just to say cheers for the match reports all season.
They generally agree with how I’ve seen the games so that’s good!
I’m always amazed how differently people can see the same thing.
They are an interesting read which must take a while to write so thanks for taking the time and making the effort
catchy in norway
May 8, 2017 at 9:31 AM
Comment #35bobby bee
are you getting the band fitted as a result of weight.?
it’s a load of tosh. you have to want to lose weight for it to work, i find it a cowards way personally for people who don’t make a great change to there eating habits, i have a friend who disappears in the middle of every meal to throw up just to eat more,
i think bands ruin lives, but good luck ?
catchy in norway
May 8, 2017 at 9:36 AM
Comment #36jail
what does it have to do with you who he talks to about nufc. it’s looking le your so narrow minded and think you can only live i. newcastle, or your opinion on Ashley is what’s wrong in every department in our club.
your so wrong, he is a problem, fact, but under rafa and CH no one complains, like i have said all along.
but you do come on here and bully, and yes i give as much as i get, but many others don’t.
Budge123
May 8, 2017 at 9:37 AM
Comment #37Catchy it’s a band on piles rather then fat I think!
Jail for Ashley
May 8, 2017 at 9:37 AM
Comment #38No catchy,
I think it’s for his piles that cause him to be unreasonably irate and likely to explode at any given minute.
WWSBRD
May 8, 2017 at 9:39 AM
Comment #39catchy
Ur friend suffers from bulimia its not a weakness its a disease
Ibizatoon
May 8, 2017 at 9:40 AM
Comment #40Monday mornings with Dr. Catchy?