Former Premier League striker turned pundit Stan Collymore believes that unlike their rivals Sunderland, Newcastle have learned from their mistakes after being relegated from the English top flight.
The Magpies retained the services of manager Rafa Benitez by giving the Spaniard full autonomy in his role, and writing in his column for the Mirror, Collymore believes owner Mike Ashley has finally had to change tack in order keep a top class manager in place who can bring some stability to the club:
“Newcastle, meanwhile, took their medicine and look invigorated, hungry and bound for promotion. Little wonder no-one on Wearside is laughing at Newcastle now. In Rafa Benitez Newcastle have a manager who has taken control of their destiny in a way Sunderland can only dream about.”
“Then again, Rafa loves control. And in Mike Ashley and Newcastle he’s found the perfect combination – a club and owner desperate to be led out of the wilderness. Even if it meant handing the reigns over completely – something Ashley never seemed willing to do with past managers.”
Sunderland are without a win under manager David Moyes in the Premier League, sitting bottom of the table with just two points from nine games. The Magpies look to be in good shape and after 14 matches of the Championship season, Rafa Benitez’s side are three points ahead of second place Brighton & Hove Albion at the top of the table heading into their match against Preston North End tomorrow afternoon.
