OPINION
It would be fair to say that Newcastle United fans have had to endure what has mostly been a frustrating season, both with what has happened on and off the pitch.
Yes, the Magpies might be looking like surviving for another year – primarily thanks to the managerial genius of Rafael Benitez – but it has not all been smooth sailing, with a difficult start to the campaign leaving the Spaniard and his men floundering around the bottom of the table.
There has been the ongoing takeover saga which has amounted to nothing so far, while the January transfer window threatened to be another damp squib before the arrival of Miguel Almiron late on brightened the Toon Army’s spirits.
It is not like the St James’ Park faithful have had much to enjoy on the pitch, with the pragmatic football on display a far cry from the Entertainers that they once called their own.
The defensive approach is no doubt out of necessity rather than desire from Benitez, ensuring his team are as difficult to beat as possible and grinding out results to survive, but it seems as though that could all change next season.
Lee Ryder, the Chronicle’s chief Newcastle reporter, predicted in a live question and answer on the newspaper’s website (03/04, 14:08) that were Benitez to sign a new deal, which is still up in the air, and gets the transfers he desires – which will have to be promised if he is to stay on board – then the fans could see a more exciting brand of football.
He wrote: “If Rafa stays and gets the signings he wants I think he might consider going on the front-foot a lot more The last two seasons have been about counting down to survival by churning out points.I think he’s had enough of fighting relegation battles now. He’s keen to look up to the top eight.”
The manager staying alone would have the Toon Army in dreamland but entertaining football would have St James’ Park bouncing like never before during Mike Ashley’s reign.
It is of course up to the owner to get a new contract for the Spaniard and to give him the funds he wants but if that happens, the Newcastle United faithful can get excited.
