By Neil Langer
It’s only the second game of the season and our next game against Cardiff is already looking like a ‘must win’ game.
With Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea lined up to follow and Cardiff early favourites to be relegated, it must be seen as a so called easier fixture.
It won’t be easy, mind. A newly promoted side playing their first home game since returning to the Premier League. That’s always dangerous, but I do back Benitez to get the better of Neil Warnock.
Rafa can build his team around Dubravka, Lascelles, Shelvey, Ritchie and Kennedy, with the remainder of the squad needing to improve and Rondon needing to produce.
There has been so much written about Mike Ashley, his lack of investment and support for Rafa.
Mr Ashley is rarely in attendance at St James Park, but can we blame him? He knows he will attract abuse and with the capital he has already invested, where is the inclination to invest more?
He will never win over the fans, although most gave him credit when he appointed Rafa, he was however found wanting when it came to financially backing the manager.
Balancing the books, avoiding direct confrontation with passionate supporters and attempting to sell the club to whoever will meet his apparent inflated valuation appears to be the plan.
As supporters, is it time for us to adopt a different approach towards the owner? If he were to follow the Toon, his
Club, through thick and thin, home and away, he may just see what so many others see throughout the county.
That he owns a huge club, an amazing stadium, with fantastic support, so desperate for success. If he’d had the inclination to follow the dream – he may well have been immortalised on Tyneside. Priceless!!!
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