Newcastle United fans were all singing for Rafael Benitez to stay at St James’ Park in the clash against Southampton, according to journalist Damian Spellman.
The reporter claims on his personal Twitter account that the Toon Army were calling for the Spaniard to remain on Tyneside during the visit of the Saints, with the manager’s contract coming to an end in the summer.
The seven words that rang around St James’ Park on Saturday were: “Rafa Benitez, we want you to stay.”
"Rafa Benitez, we want you to stay", sings the crowd at St James' Park.
— Damian Spellman (@DamianSpellman) April 20, 2019
Opinion
Are you listening Mike Ashley? In case it was not clear enough before, the Toon Army made their message clear as day against the Saints and understandably so. The Spanish boss has galvanised not only the squad, who were a bunch of talented individuals but lacking cohesion before his arrival, but those in the stands as well. It was a poisonous atmosphere under the likes of Steve McLaren and Alan Pardew but things have changed for the better under Benitez – and losing him this summer would be a massive blow for the progress of the club. Newcastle could quite easily fall back into disarray if he does not stay on board and Ashley, who has shown his naivety when it comes to running a football team, does. It is imperative that the owner takes action, otherwise he could have a riot on his hands. If he does get Rafa signed up, then it could well be a party atmosphere instead.