OPINION
Ask most Newcastle United fans what they want more than anything right now, and they will pretty much all give you the same answer; a new contract for Rafa Benitez.
The Toon boss has become an almost messianic figure on Tyneside in recent years, and the prospect of losing him, after everything he has done for the club, is almost unbearable for the vast majority of supporters.
Of course, there is still no confirmation on his future plans, and chances are there won’t be any for a little while longer, but we might just have seen the biggest hint yet as to his intentions with the Chronicle’s latest report on his transfer plans.
According to the local newspaper, Benitez has already started laying out the blueprints for his dealings this summer, should he choose to sign an extension on Tyneside.
Full-backs, a winger, and another striking option are mentioned as his top priorities, but in truth, provided he agrees to put pen to paper on a new deal, the details won’t matter too much to Newcastle fans.
Investment is needed, that much is clear, but you get the impression that they would walk through hell and back provided Rafa was at the helm to lead them.
They trust in him, they believe in his ability to manage this side regardless of the tools at his disposal, and his signature is the only one that they will care about for the time being.
Get Rafa tied down and the rest will fall into place.
