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Report details Ashley and Benitez exchange

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Image for Report details Ashley and Benitez exchange

OPINION

Mike Ashley entered the Newcastle United dressing room to congratulate manager Rafa Benitez and his squad after their win over Bournemouth at the weekend, according to the Chronicle. 

The regional newspaper report that the latest exchange between Ashley and Benitez was only brief, but included a ‘well done’ message from the owner to the squad.

The Chronicle claim that Ashley also admitted he was pleased how things were going of late, with the short conversation illustrating the fact that lines of communication between the two are open and cordial.

This is most definitely a positive sign at Newcastle, with Ashley and Benitez clearly on better terms than they have been in a long while.

Ashley has now attended the last seven Newcastle matches after missing every single game for 16 months, and that decision has obviously led to a thawing in relations between owner and manager.

Ashley likely realised that relegation was becoming a real possibility, which is something that would seriously damage his investment in the club, and began to take steps to try and avoid that.

A strong line of communication between Benitez and the upper echelons is key if the club want to have a successful January window and avoid the drop.

While Ashley is obviously not ready to release a large amount of funds for January, his renewed relationship with Benitez will likely lead to a more streamlined window which will boost their chances of survival.

And there is also hope that these cordial relations then extend beyond January and Benitez remains at the club beyond the end of his contract in the summer.

All in all these are hugely positive signs for Newcastle fans, who could be in for a surprisingly positive season after all.

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