Former Newcastle United captain Kevin Nolan says he is not convinced with manager Rafael Benitez’s spending complaints.
The Spaniard, who guided the Magpies back to the Premier League last season by winning the Championship, has been vocal in his criticism of owner Mike Ashley, who he feels has not been supportive in terms on finances during his tenure at St James Park.
Nolan, who is the current manager of Notts County, is having none of it.
“Rafa played on it a lot in the early months of the season,” Nolan told Sky Sports News.
“It seemed it was more about Rafa Benitez than the team at the time.“When they got over that they got a few results and got a bit of a mentality and a winning run going. Now it’s turned because they have lost four on the spin.
He continued: “And I think he always tries to bring out a few bits to remind people ‘We’re not supposed to be here’. Listen, he’s spent a lot of money on that squad last year and this year.
“He’s probably spent a lot more money than his rivals have so for me, with the way they are up there – with the expectancy of the crowd and the town and what goes up there with it – he might be trying to kid them a bit and make sure they don’t get on his back too early.”
