Former Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has backed the Magpies to have a good season in the Premier League if they keep Rafa Benitez at the club.
As a guest on Sky Sports‘ Monday Night Football, Pardew was asked about his former club’s prospects after being promoted from the Championship. He was quoted by the Football Insider as saying:
“I think Newcastle will stay in the Premier League if they can keep Rafa Benitez.”
The former Crystal Palace and West Ham manager then went on to say that five signings maybe enough for them to remain in the top flight, as well as using the crowd at St James’ Park to get them over the line in matches:
“They have got the home power, you just have got to add a few players to that squad and a couple of big stars. They should have enough.”
Manager Rafa Benitez is expected to meet owner Mike Ashley soon to discuss transfer plans for the summer. Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer says the Magpies boss needs at least £150million to spend to improve the club’s squad to compete next season, but there has been no offical word yet about the size of Rafa’s transfer kitty.
