Garth Crooks has delivered an ominous prediction for Newcastle United’s summer, suggesting that half of the team could leave if Rafa Benitez does not sign a new contract.
The Spaniard has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, despite his current one running out at the end of the season, and Crooks has suggested that his departure, should it happen, could lead to something of an exodus on Tyneside.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “The problem for the Magpies is that if Rafa goes, so does half of that team.
“That team is nothing without Rafa’s leadership and inspiration.
“The quicker owner Mike Ashley can conclude contract talks with Benitez, the better for all concerned.”
OPINION
This is a big claim from Crooks, and one that will surely fill Newcastle fans with dread. Benitez is a hero on Tyneside and it is easy to see why. What he has achieved with such limited resources is really quite impressive, and he fully deserves all the love and plaudits he gets on Tyneside. The worrying thing is, however, is that so much of what Newcastle do well rests on him and him alone. He is the cornerstone of the club at the moment, but it is never a good idea to have a foundation resting in the kind of precarious position that Benitez finds himself. If he were to collapse and walk away from the club, the whole team could go down with him. That would be an absolute disaster for the Magpies who have spent far too long struggling when they should be thriving. It would be unforgivable of those at the top if they allowed Benitez to leave now.
