The Chronicle reporter Mark Douglas has revealed he is not as confident as Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards over Rafael Benitez’s future after the latter’s bold claim about the Spaniard’s future.
With a contract that runs out at the end of the season there has been much speculation over whether the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss would remain at St James’ Park past the summer, Benitez confirming in his press conference that there had been initial talks with Lee Charnley recently.
However, Edwards has said in his Telegraph piece it would be a “shock” if he did not stay at the club, Douglas responding with a less optimistic view.
He wrote on his personal Twitter account: “Ballsy Luke – but noises have been positive recently. I’m happy here in the ‘it’s more likely than not’ for the moment…”
Ballsy Luke – but noises have been positive recently. I'm happy here in the 'it's more likely than not' for the moment…
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) April 1, 2019
Opinion
You can imagine there are plenty of Newcastle fans who share Mark Douglas’ trepidation over Benitez penning a new deal at St James’ Park, but together with Luke Edwards’ claims it sounds as though the Toon Army have reason to believe their dreams are on course to come true. There is nothing more that the supporters want to see that Benitez putting pen to paper on a contract which keeps him on Tyneside for the foreseeable future and understandably so after the magic he has worked with his squad. Once again they look set to secure their Premier League safety and considering the lack of spending from the club in the transfer market that is some achievement. Until it is officially announced the Toon Army will not be able to celebrate but there is definitely optimism building from those in the know at St James’ Park. Only time will tell whether their beliefs are well placed or whether they have been misled.
