OPINION
There are a couple of things that Newcastle United fans will have spent plenty of nights dreaming about in recent years.
From seeing their side end their exceptionally long trophy drought to seeing owner Mike Ashley eventually leave his position at St James’ Park for good, the Toon Army have plenty to wish for when blowing out the candles on their birthday cake.
However in the shorter term there are just two things for the St James’ Park faithful to hope for; Premier League safety and an extension to Rafael Benitez’s contract.
The Spaniard is coming to the end of his current deal and there is so far nothing to suggest that is going to be lengthened any time soon – a situation many fans will have down as a worst case scenario for the club.
His management cannot be underestimated – the Magpies have performed above expectations with a squad in which most of the players were playing in the Championship two seasons ago.
The supporters on Tyneside will take any sort of good news at the minute and a behind-the-scenes statement, detailed by the Chronicle, revealing the club are looking to recruit not one but two new members of staff for the academy, including a new loan manager.
Now it is no secret that Benitez is looking to improve things both on and off the pitch at St James’ Park – the Chronicle stating that the Spanish boss has constantly requested changes to the reserve and academy setup – and so a shake up of staff can only be good news.
Not only will it look to boost the club’s production of top young talent, but it surely gives Newcastle fans a reason to dream about Benitez staying on – after all, they would not recruit someone under the manager if he was not to stay on for the long term.
It is nothing clear cut, but it does point in the right direction for something all Magpies want to see.