Newcastle midfielder Jack Colback says the club was on its “knees” before Rafa Benitez agreed to stay on as manager in the summer.
The 27 year old believes the Spaniard’s decision to stay at the club after relegation gave the fans and the players a vital boost when they needed it most. He feels it demonstrated that the club were still ambitious and had long term plans for the future in place. He is quoted by the Chronicle as saying:
“He has brought positivity to the club. We were on our knees when we went down. There was a lot of negativity around the place. But as soon as he signed up, it gave the fans optimism. That has helped the fans and us along. The fans can see the long-term plan which is what someone like Rafa Benitez brings to the football club.”
Colback has had to fight tooth and nail with fellow defensive midfielder Isaac Hayden for a place in the side. Although he has made 32 appearances in all competitions, he has started exactly half (22) of Newcastle’s league matches this season.
As one of the players in the squad with a great deal of Premier League experience, the midfielder will likely play a prominent role next season as the Magpies return to play in the top flight once again.
