OPINION
All Newcastle United fans want to see from their side over the coming weeks is to seal their future in the Premier League and to get Rafael Benitez to sign a new long term contract at St James’ Park.
The Spanish boss has established himself as a firm favourite of the Toon Army in his three years in charge but with a contract that expires at the end of the season, there will be worries about whether he will remain on board for the foreseeable future.
The potential of Benitez leaving is not a thought that any fan on Tyneside wants to spend too long on and it is quite clear that he will have to be given promises that keep him satisfied – including transfer funds and behind-the-scenes improvements – if he is to commit to the Magpies.
As such, any disappointment that he could suffer is surely going to strike fear into the hearts of fans – and it seems as though he could be let down when it comes to back up shot stopper Freddie Woodman.
The Shields Gazette claim on their website that the English goalkeeper is lined up to leave St James’ Park in a bid to find first team football, with Arsenal and Celtic said to be hot on his heels ahead of the summer.
That would not only disappoint fans, who have been excited to see Woodman make the grade on Tyneside, but would also reportedly frustrate Benitez, who would like to keep him on board and sell Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow instead.
With just 12 months on his contract, the Magpies have to choose whether to keep him on board or cash in and it seems as though it will be the latter – much to Benitez’s disappointment.
At a time when it is crucial to do everything possible to keep the Spaniard satisfied with his job at Newcastle, this is the last thing the fans want to hear and they must once again be fearing worst ahead of the summer.
