Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley has revealed that the club have told Rafael Benitez to push for success in a cup competition after years of focusing solely on the league.
The Magpies have not picked up a major trophy since 1969, winning the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, the predecessor to the UEFA Cup and the Europa League, and fans have been yearning for some silverware at St James’ Park.
However, under the stewardship of owner Mike Ashley, the club have made it clear that the cup competitions were to be disregarded and that full attention would be placed on the league, making their behind-the-scenes u-turn a huge shock that fans will be raving over if it comes true.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Charnley said: “‘The players are now hugely incentivised when it comes to the cup competitions.
“We’ve made our view clear on the cups in the past but now – and we’ve said this to Rafa – it’s, “Have a go, try and win a cup.
“This year was about staying in the Premier League and now it’s about growing and improving year on year, but doing that within our means.
“Thats not to say there is a lack of ambition, because there definitely is ambition, it will just take some time.”
Under Ashley, the Magpies have never progressed past the fourth stage of the FA Cup or past the fifth round of the League Cup.
Opinion
Newcastle’s lack of silverware is notable across the UK and there are so many, what would be deemed, lesser sides who have some success to their name since. To say that the Magpies are a sleeping giant is an understatement, and their 50 year hibernation, unfortunately for the Toon Army, has not looked like coming to an end at any point under Ashley. The St James’ Park faithful will be hoping that this really is the club turning the corner and pushing to bring a trophy back to Tyneside, and the moment that day comes, there will be celebrations in the street. If Ashley can be the owner who ends the rut, then he will go some way to clearing his name after a tumultuous time in charge of the club. Still, there will be much scepticism over Charnley’s comments, for the Sports Direct supremo is not known for his honesty, and many will feel it is just a ruse to satiate the desires of the fans.