It would be easy to get carried away being a Newcastle United fan right now, something that’s not been often said for almost (barring one good season under Alan Pardew) a decade.
Having convinced Rafa Benitez to stay on in charge of the Magpies, the Toon Army are doing a good job of marching back into the proverbial Promised Land.
While there’s still oh so much to play for, coupled with wondering just how this team would fare should they restore Premier League status on Tyneside, excitement has once again returned to St. James’ Park.
Clearly, they have a squad that look like Championship winners – perhaps more – but certainly one to achieve the absolutely crucial aim of going back up.
So much so that even ever-the-ardent Neil Warnock has heaped praise on one of their players, Mr. Dwight Gayle.
The pair worked together while at Crystal Palace and the former Eagles coach has previously raised doubts about the 26-year-old.
Still, now in charge of Cardiff City, Warnock has praised his former striker as he prepares to bring his Bluebirds side to the North East later today.
Gayle, who has scored 11 goals since joining and was recently voted PFA Fans’ Player of the Month, has been passed fit for the meeting after shaking off a hamstring problem.
“He’s the best finisher I’ve ever had”, said (quotes sourced by NUFC.co.uk) the 67-year-old.
”He always wanted to be loved, Rafa (Benitez) has loved him.
”In the box he comes alive and would get in anybody’s team in the 18 yard box, but Rafa has put other things to his game. He looks a far more complete player.”
