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Ashley must realise it is about more than money for Benitez

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Image for Ashley must realise it is about more than money for Benitez

OPINION

There is no doubting that Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is a businessman first, football club owner second.

Forgetting the lack of funds made available to manager Rafael Benitez during his tenure in the dugout, there have been numerous poor decisions made off the pitch which have resulted in plenty of fan fury, not to mention the Magpies languishing in the bottom half of the table.

Having spent over a decade at St James’ Park, there has probably been no decision more important than to get Benitez tied to a new contract, his current deal on Tyneside coming to an end this summer, with the Spaniard having galvanised the club both on the pitch and in the stands.

His managerial nous has been absolutely huge in keeping Newcastle above the threat of relegation and to lose him would be a huge blow, which is why it seems Ashley is willing to splash out on giving Benitez a healthy wage.

The Chronicle report that the owner has tabled a substantial offer when it comes to the terms of a new deal and while in business more money might seal a deal, this is football we are talking about.

The manager is about so much more than money – not that he would be struggling that much after time at the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool and Napoli. After all, if it was his wage he cared about, you can be sure that a deal would have been signed by now.

No, Benitez wants promises over the future of the football club, be that transfers, investment into the training ground or other factors which are purely footballing based.

If Ashley thinks money can make his problem go away, then he is partly right in the fact that the money has to be ploughed into the Magpies. Offering Benitez a mega-contract is a businessman’s decision and shows how woefully out of touch the owner is.

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