Brighton star happy for Newcastle to win the title

Former NUFC target, Anthony Knockaert has admitted that he doesn’t mind if Newcastle United win the Championship title – on one condition.

Newcastle United made efforts to sign the Brighton winger over the summer and the Frenchman has admitted today that the Magpies can ‘win the title’ for all he cares, providing Brighton get promoted alongside them.

Speaking to The Argus, it appears extending Brighton’s lead over third placed Huddersfield is Knockaert’s only concern:

“I don’t care about winning the title this season. If we can do it, we will do it.

“We’re not stupid, we’re going to do everything we can to win this trophy. But if we finish second, 15 points behind Newcastle, I will be happy.

“I’m not scared to say it, because you know how much this club would love to be in the Premier League.

“You know how long they’ve been trying to do it, in the play-offs a few times and have always lost, so it doesn’t matter what position we finish.

“If it’s first or second, as long as we do it the club will be happy.”

While he admits that Brighton will do ‘everything’ to win the title, he makes a fair point to some extent, with the end goal in the Championship being all about promotion above anything else. Newcastle fans wouldn’t object to lifting the title come May, however, with Benitez and the squad having their eyes firmly on the the top prize.

Brighton can return to the summit tonight with a win against a struggling Birmingham City side at the Amex. Given their home form & Birmingham City’s performances under Gianfranco Zola, I fully expect the Seagulls to get all three points.

Should this happen, Newcastle will be knocked back to 2nd, for now, with the Magpies entertaining Burton Albion in tomorrow night’s clash at St. James’ Park.

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About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.