Eyebrows were raised when Rafa Benitez confirmed he would stay with Newcastle United despite their relegation to the Championship, but it certainly looks like they are heading back to the Premier League, probably as champions, justifying his choice. He wanted a project and so far he is succeeding.
Looking further ahead, Benitez could be a cult hero in Newcastle for decades. The potential is there to make the club one of the big teams in the country once again. If he is given the backing he needs, then the Spaniard is the perfect man to lead the Magpies into a new era: one that could be considerably better than Newcastle has experienced for years.
It is a well-repeated line that Newcastle United are the focal point of the town, and create a real buzz in the city, and Benitez is the man to tap into that. Attracting crowds of in excess of 50,000 every week, it must not be forgotten how big the club are. The stagnation of recent years can sometimes cover up just how significant Newcastle could be.
Nothing demonstrates this more than the players they bought during the summer – the likes of Matt Richie and Dwight Gayle were prepared to drop down a division in order to play at St James’ Park.
The signings added quality and stability to an already improving side under their new manager towards the end of last season, and the momentum has only grown. Newcastle lost against Nottingham Forest on Friday evening, but were unlucky with decisions, and still top the Championship regardless.
If that momentum, with the addition of some more quality next summer, continues into a campaign that will almost certainly be in the Premier League, Newcastle should stay up. Benitez will then be in a position of power, and will be able to build on it.
Newcastle have the right manager, and massive support. A little patience and the right backing (certainly not a given with the history of Mike Ashley and the board) will see Newcastle become a giant once more.
The sky is the limit for Newcastle, as long as they play their cards right. Time will tell whether Mike Ashley will learn from lessons gone by and allow that to happen.
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