Don Hutchinson has told the Chronicle that he believes Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and manager Rafa Benitez have not talked since the summer when the Spaniard opted to to stay at St James Park.
Ashley’s lack of communication is a concern, according to Hutchison, who thinks Rafa should be valued by the club’s owner and given the backing he needs to make the team successful:
“I have heard from a reliable source that they have not spoken once since the summer, when Rafa agreed to stay on. I can’t believe that: Ashley has a top manager at his football club and should be making him feel valued and letting him know that he has his support.”
The lack of transfer activity in the January transfer window sparked speculation that Benitez may consider leaving his post on Tyneside after not being given the support to strengthen the squad for the promotion run in.
The Magpies boss swiftly dismissed the reports but it is unlikely that Benitez would be keen to stick around if he isn’t given the full backing of the club’s board in the summer transfer market. The Newcastle manager will expect to be given the resources to strengthen if the club are indeed promoted to the Premier League.
