Former Newcastle striker Les Ferdinand believes manager Rafa Benitez has been the catalyst for changing the mood around Newcastle since the end of last season.
The Spaniard’s decision to remain with the Magpies in the Championship boosted morale of the fans after relegation, and led to a greater connection between the supporters and the club which had been missing for a number of years under the Ashley ownership.
Talking to the Chronicle, Ferdinand explained how the huge change in atmosphere at the club has assisted their Championship promotion challenge this season:
“As far as the job that Rafa has done, I think it is fantastic. No team has run away with the league and it was always going to be tough. There is a depression when you get relegated, not just with the fans with the team and the manager himself – the whole place is depressed. It’s trying to get them out of that and get them back up and he’s done a great job in doing that.”
With eight games to go, the Magpies top the table from Brighton by just one point, but they are seven points ahead of third place Huddersfield Town, which could be crucial as Newcastle look to clinch promotion.
April will be a decisive month with seven of the last eight fixtures coming in the space of four weeks, with the first coming against Wigan Athletic on April 1st.
