Former Newcastle midfielder Lee Clark has delivered his verdict over the future of current boss Rafael Benitez and his ongoing contract saga.
Benitez’ current deal at Newcastle expires on June 30th and talks have been going on for months with the Spaniard wanting certain demands met by Mike Ashley before making his decision.
Writing in his TribalFootball column, Clark reeled off a list of problems which arise due to the current ordeal at his former club: “For Rafa Benitez and Newcastle, it has got to be sorted one way or another. You can’t go into the summer months where you don’t know if the manager is staying or not.
“Not only transfers, but there is also preseason that needs to be planned, you need to decide on the players that you want to let go and the ones you want to keep, such as Salomon Rondon. If there’s no manager in place there is no direction for these decisions.
“It’s an uncertain period for Newcastle but I hope it works out for all parties involved. The manager has proven that he is world-class and I hope he can stay on.”
Talks have reportedly been positive in weeks gone by with Benitez having sat down for meetings with both Ashley and Lee Charnley in the hopes to work out a new deal that suits everyone involved.
OPINION
Lee Clark is right with his concerns over Rafa Benitez’ future at this former side. If Mike Ashley decides to go into the summer with no-one in charge of the club then the whole plans surrounding Newcastle could be heavily damaged off the pitch and on it once the new season kicks off. Their transfer plans would certainly be tattered as Benitez is a big reason for many players wanting to join a club like Newcastle as they want to work under a manager who has experienced nearly everything that football has to offer in his years in management. Having said this, the future looks brighter for Newcastle fans who will be sat in hope for good news as Benitez after the meetings with those above him who also seem keen to keep him at the club. Benitez has transformed his Newcastle side from a Championship club to a team pushing for the top half of the Premier League in under three years, the next goal will be to try and achieve European football if given another three seasons in charge and only Benitez could do that at a club where he is dearly loved.
