Agents have been approaching Newcastle United with potential replacement managers for boss Rafael Benitez, according to journalist Lee Ryder.
The reporter revealed the news in a Q & A [15:43] on The Chronicle’s website, claiming that agents have come to the Magpies with some interesting names.
Benitez is out of contract in the summer, of course, but the board are yet to consider genuine alternatives to him because they still want him to remain at the club.
Ryder claims that Benitez staying makes the most sense despite Newcastle representing an attractive job for other managers.
OPINION
Ryder is absolutely right that Benitez staying is the best thing for everyone involved. He has done an unbelievable job with the club and deserves the chance to continue his work with a bit more freedom from above. Having said that, it is slightly surprising that the board haven’t really considered any of the names that agents have thrown their way. Ryder says that the names in question are ‘interesting’, but yet the Magpies remain committed to Benitez. That in and of itself is the right thing, but it never hurts to have a contingency plan. You would’ve thought that a club like Newcastle with such a heartless owner would already be looking for the next big thing in case Benitez does decide to move on this summer. However, it appears that Ashley has finally taken note of what Benitez has done and of the mood of the supporters. He wants the Spaniard to stay and he doesn’t want to do anything to stop that from happening, thank goodness.
