When Newcastle United first unveiled their new home kit on Wednesday, many fans noticed a reference in the advertising that left some a bit puzzled.
The write-up about the new shirt called on Newcastle fans to support “Rafa Benitez’ men” in the new replica home shirt.
It also mentioned how the team were looking to make this season a successful one “under the famous Spaniard”.
This tactic of using Benitez to sell shirts did not sit too well with some fans. They considered this to be a disingenuous ploy as Benitez has less than two weeks remaining on his contract.
Some fans though found comfort in seeing Rafa’s heralded name still being attached to the club. They saw this as a possible sign of a new contract on the horizon.
Well, the advertising write-up was suddenly changed yesterday with the removal of all references to Rafa Benitez.
This move left fans even more bewildered and some in a panic. Many saw this as confirmation that Rafa Benitez was indeed leaving Newcastle.
Here is a comparison of the two different ads for the new home shirt:
Below is a couple of exchanges on Twitter with Newcastle United’s Head of Media and Content Lee Marshall about the original ad for the sale of the new home shirt:
Hi, thanks for flagging this up. The retail website doesn’t fall within the remit of my team and I but I’ll make some enquiries.
— Lee Marshall (@LeeMarshall9) June 19, 2019
It’ll be written by a third party rather than a colleague at the club but I do appreciate what you’re saying. Leave it with me. Thanks again for bringing it to my attention ??
— Lee Marshall (@LeeMarshall9) June 19, 2019
While we are not sure if this is of any significance to Rafa Benitez’ tenure at Newcastle, this tweet exchange does seem to be the origin of the removal of his name from the ads.
While it may have been done to ease some unrest, in true Newcastle fashion it has led to even more confusion and despondency amongst the fanbase.
131 comments so far
magscar
Jun 22, 2019 at 7:35 AM
Comment #121Oh and when Ashley does go it won’t in the slightest be because of anything frog has posted.
Binney
Jun 22, 2019 at 7:36 AM
Comment #122Feels like we’re getting mugged off… Again
magscar
Jun 22, 2019 at 7:38 AM
Comment #123Anyway enough time wasted on frog matters. Said my piece and so on with my day away from Blog 🙂
bill
Jun 22, 2019 at 7:46 AM
Comment #124Magscar, that is not what I said. I was very careful to say that I support toon22 on MA, not on attacking other posters.
bill
Jun 22, 2019 at 7:49 AM
Comment #125As I said last night, it will be nice to get back to talking about football.
chicousa
Jun 22, 2019 at 7:52 AM
Comment #126NY Mag
Nice Avatar! 😉
Patoon
Jun 22, 2019 at 7:55 AM
Comment #127Never really post much any more but read at least 50 times daily but hav 2 say that Toon22 has been spot on, why have so many believed that this and that was gonna happen with all the lies in the past, u cant sell if thers no seller, ashley is making so much money why would he sell, the fans and only the fans can make it so toxic that no manager or player will want to come, buy no shirts, tickets, nothing and leave him with no option but to sell, but the usual will happen, hel maybe break the transfer record on deadline day and buy a striker at 25m who in these days will b bang average and all will b forgotten til the takeover talk starts again in december, so alot of this is down to ashley but alot of it is also down to the fans
ilovetoon8788
Jun 22, 2019 at 7:58 AM
Comment #128Takeover is off. Rafa is leaving with Neil redfern lined up as new manager.
Captain AmeriMag
Jun 22, 2019 at 7:59 AM
Comment #129Another beautiful morning and another day closer to an Ashlie free Toon
🙂
No doubt he’s parasitic pond scum adept at upsetting frogs, but he’s swimming with the big fish now and Shark Khaled is ready to feed
magscar
Jun 22, 2019 at 8:10 AM
Comment #130Bill
oh so it’s a sort of “Ashley out” badge thing showing your message on here.
Be as selective as you like – no one particularly disagrees with the notion that Ashley should go. If you believe that his “campaign” on here supported by frog avatars does more than the fans groups then what can I say that hasn’t been said many times and by others.
I repeat nothing he has done in this part of blogsphere will have converted any one to an Ashley out stance from a”he’s not a bad guy” sort of thinking not will it have the slightest impact on Ashley finally going.
He and others would be better putting their energies into actively supporting fans groups away from the keyboard if they want any kudos in being instrumental in achieving his departure.
Preparing to go out for day so rushing this response – catch up later but really nothing to add than many have already wasted their time on saying 🙁
Bladey
Jun 22, 2019 at 5:46 PM
Comment #131Groundhog day boring posters repeating the same old tedious crap about the non existent takeover
Thought shall I get back to my painting job
Or read more posts
Oh I forgot I finished the painting so more posts
NO I think I will watch the paint dry
ASH OUT RAFA IN