While takeover talk is no doubt grating as the lifeless limbo Newcastle United find themselves in drags on, comments from Shields Gazette journalist Liam Kennedy on the NUFC Matters podcast are interesting.
What did he say?
When asked about whether or not he could see Rafael Benitez return to St. James’ Park should a change ownership eventually come to fruition, Kennedy hinted there was a possibility of it happening.
“I think Rafa Benitez is absolutely in the box-seat to be Newcastle United manager in the not-too-distant future – if the takeover gets the green light,” he said in yesterday’s podcast with Steve Wraith at the 53:03 mark onwards.
The Verdict
Benitez was mooted as a potential option for the would-be new owners back by the Daily Telegraph back in May.
Indeed, he’d be a hugely popular choice given his previous work on Tyneside and, although the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Max Allegri were linked should Newcastle enter a world of ridiculous wealth, Benitez would be the more realistic choice.
Having an obvious affinity with the Magpies and struggling in China, it seems more likely he could be tempted back than the other names considering Pochettino is now in charge of Paris Saint-Germain and Allegri is linked with Chelsea.
Benitez constantly spoke of wanting to be more ambitious while in charge of the Magpies and, given his popularity with swathes of the fanbase, the idea of him building with more funds is a rather pleasing picture.
Still, this looks entirely dependant on the takeover, which surely rules out a move anytime soon, adding to the frustration of last year’s collapse.
Newcastle look as if they’re going to have limp on as it is for the moment.
