OPINION
Mike Ashley has a lot to answer for on Tyneside.
Perhaps that’s stating the obvious. Perhaps it’s an understatement. But either way the controversial Newcastle United owner has managed to turn himself into public enemy number one in the north east through combination of stinginess and blatant disregard for the aspirations of his club and its fanbase.
It’s hard to see any way for him to repair his relationship with the Geordie masses, and it’s particularly clear if he actually wants to, but while that threadbare rapport won’t get any better any time soon, it could certainly get a whole lot worse.
Priority number one this summer has to be keeping hold of Rafa Benitez, it really is that simple. Without the Spaniard, lord knows where the Magpies would be, but you can wager a decent amount that it wouldn’t be mid table in the Premier League.
This is an average squad, whipped into shape by the tactical genius of Benitez, and if you take away the cornerstone of their success, you have a strong feeling that Magpies would collapse.
Fortunately, it would appear that Benitez is on the verge of signing a new deal with the club – or at least he is according to Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards.
Edwards has suggested that the chances of Rafa staying at St. James’ Park are “almost certain”, but also claims that a new contract hinges on Ashley giving him certain assurances.
In his piece on the subject, he wrote: “If Ashley is willing to give those guarantees, if he is willing to promise to fulfil Benitez’s demands, if he makes a concerted effort to keep him, then he will stay.”
That doesn’t seem too complex, and certainly you would hope that Ashley realises what he has and changes his usual stance to accommodate such a brilliant manager.
Where the controversial owner is concerned, however, anything can happen.
Never bet against him finding new ways to infuriate the locals up on Tyneside, who will for their part just be hoping that he doesn’t screw this one up.
