OPINION
To say that Newcastle United’s greatest asset at the moment is manager Rafael Benitez would be a massive understatement, considering the work he has put in at St James’ Park.
The Spanish boss has not only worked wonders on the pitch, getting the Magpies to finish in an impressive 10th place on their return to the Premier League, but has also galvanised the Toon Army to back the team in a way that has not been seen for many years on Tyneside.
Benitez is without a doubt a favourite of the Newcastle support and they would be loathed to lose him any time soon – which is why they could well be set for heartbreak over the coming 12 months.
The Chronicle report that the former Liverpool boss has been handed another modest transfer budget by owner Mike Ashley, and after last summer’s frustration, that could be the final straw for the man in the dugout, who has patiently waited for some good news to come from the boardroom.
The Magpies need to spend some money to strengthen the squad but this revelation will have decimated hope of both the fans and the manager, and with just a year left on his current contract, any chance of an extension seems slim.
Newcastle supporters would love to see him commit his future on Tyneside but there will also understand that if Ashley is not willing to back his demands there is no reason to stay, and while walking away this summer is unlikely, the end of his contract could well be the end of the Magpies’ love affair fith Benitez.
It would be a devastating blow for the club, and would likely cause more ire towards Ashley than ever before, but that seems to be the situation right now.