Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has insisted that the new changes and improvements to the academy system are not going to impact a decision over his future at the club.
The Magpies are to have a shake up behind the scenes with a number of new roles being created to help the academy and reserves hit the heights expected, with Benitez having been demanding it from the club for some time.
Having seemingly got what he wants, Benitez spoke about how this would not be directly linked to his future but admitted it was positive to see from the decision makers in the north east.
He told the Chronicle: “No it means we have been talking about it for a while. In the end, we have done it and hopefully it will be for the good of the club.
“We will have an idea how to improve things and we have waited too long to do it. But now it is a good sign. My future is not linked with that but it is still something positive.
Opinion
Not the answer that Newcastle United fans will have been looking for but at the same time something they will want to hear. The more positive things that happen on and off the pitch at St James’ Park, the more likely it is that Benitez will sign on the dotted line and put all the speculation over his future at the club to bed. This is one of many changes that the Spaniard will have been looking for before committing to a new contract and so Mike Ashley must continue to provide what the manager is looking for ahead of the summer. That will likely include promises over transfers – an absolute must if the Magpies are going to push up the Premier League table – and a failure to give the Spanish boss the backing he is seeking out will only push him closer and closer to the exit door. Miguel Almiron’s capture was a sign of what can be done – now it is up to the club to provide that on a much more regular basis.
