Former Newcastle United star and current Sky Sports pundit Steve Howey has said it is “hugely important” that the Magpies get Rafael Benitez tied down on a new contract and that the manager seems to be looking for any reason to stay at the club.
The Spaniard’s current deal runs out at the end of the season after just over three years on Tyneside, leaving his future at the club up in the air.
Insisting it was crucial to get a new contract signed, Howey said that it seems as though Benitez is seeking an excuse to commit and that fans would be praying that to be the case.
Speaking on Sky Sports News (14/03, 17:51), he said: “It’s hugely important, I honestly feel as though, I think the fans are hoping, he’s looking for a reason to stop (at Newcastle).
“Look at the results he’s had recently – West Ham was a bit of a blip – five wins at home on the bounce. He is the major part, he is the main person at Newcastle United. It’s hugely important that we get him on a contract.
“I don’t think he wants to speak about a contract until Newcastle are mathematically safe so once that’s the case, let’s see what happens.”
Opinion
Benitez has a strong relationship with Newcastle and the fans and it would probably upset him as well as those in the stands if he was to leave this summer. He most certainly has unfinished business but it remains to be seen whether he feels as though he can achieve that under the ownership of Mike Ashley, who has been reluctant to give the Spaniard the backing he has been looking for. There is no doubting keeping the manager on for the foreseeable future would be the best thing for the club but quite frankly, when has Ashley ever put the good of the Magpies first? It is all about money for him and if he feels he can get a better deal – in this case, a cheaper manager with less demands who can give him Premier League football – that is what he will pursue. It is nervy times for the club both on and off the pitch and the fans will be desperate for their top flight safety to be sealed so a decision can be made by Benitez.