OPINION
When Newcastle United fans saw former boss Steve McClaren replaced by Champions League winning manager Rafael Benitez, there would have been many who were asking those around them to pinch them.
It seemed too good to be true for the Toon Army, who had endured yet another miserable campaign with Mike Ashley at the helm, and sanctioning a deal for the Liverpool hero appeared out of the realms of reality for the seemingly unambitious Sports Direct chief.
However, the Spaniard put pen to paper, and although the season still ended in relegation, he stayed at St James’ Park to continue what has been a serious love affair with the Newcastle faithful.
Now all of that is at risk of going up in smoke, as Benitez enters the final year of his contract on Tyneside.
He has voiced his frustrations at the lack of backing from Ashley over the past two summer transfer windows, and there are serious fears from the fans that they could see the back off the firm favourite sooner rather than later.
While nothing has been signed, the Chronicle report two contract offers – a short term one-year deal and a long term five-year offer – have been tabled but rejected, with Benitez holding out until he is certain his aspirations will be met.
However, and perhaps crucially, the Spanish boss is claimed to have told club chiefs he can see himself staying on for another 10 years if they meet his demands – and the Newcastle fans would be in dreamland were that the case.
Ashley, working as a businessman, is likely to recognise the asset he has on his hands in the shape of the manager, and the reward far outweighs the cost of keeping him at St James’ Park.
A decade of Benitez is every Newcastle fans’ dream scenario, and considering his arrival was a pipe dream not three years ago, could be the start of something special.