Newcastle United are unlikely to make a decision on manager Rafael Benitez’s future within 10 days of the season ending, according to journalist Lee Ryder.
The Magpies correspondent delivered his verdict on a Chronicle Q & A [08/05; 16:59], following a question that asked what the timeline was for a decision on the Spaniard’s future.
Ryder asserted that things are likely to drag on as they are for another 10 days or so after the campaign comes to an end. However, he noted that talks cannot go on too long after that without a decision being made.
He also stated that Benitez may wait until his contract actually expires on 30 June to get a proper answer from the club.
OPINION
This is all so dispiriting from a Newcastle supporter’s point of view. All they want is for Benitez to stick around at the club, because he has done a tremendous job at St James’ Park. However, despite him having less than two months left on his current deal, the club’s hierarchy are seemingly in no rush to nail him down to a new contract. That’s just bizarre. This is a world class manager we’re talking about, yet Ryder believes the Magpies will stand pat for another 10 days or so after the season ends. If you were Benitez, would you really want to stay at a club who treat you so poorly? Owner Mike Ashley and managing director Lee Charnley clearly don’t see keeping Benitez around as a priority. That’s why they are content for things to carry on as they are until they absolutely have to get a deal done. It’s comical from those in charge on Tyneside, but all the fans can do is hope that Benitez swallows his pride and sticks around despite his poor treatment.
