The Chronicle’s Mark Douglas held a Q&A this week to address some of the key issues affecting Newcastle at the moment and of course, as we are all so desperate for it, the topic of a potential investment in January.
Douglas provided an interesting (and slightly frustrating) update, suggesting that money may become available to Rafa if A) There’s a fear of relegation so investment is needed or B) Benitez shows a willingness to sign the new contract in front of him.
Here’s the quote from The Chronicle’s Mark Douglas when asked “Will Rafa get money to spend in January?”:
“I think it’ll depend on where they are in the Premier League. “There’s clearly money there to spend – we know Ashley withheld funds because the contract wasn’t signed on the grounds that there’s too much uncertainty about his future to allow Benitez to spend – but Benitez wasn’t allowed to do it in the summer.
“I wouldn’t expect massive funds to suddenly be freed to him unless it looks like he’ll sign the contract in front of him. But if they’re in the bottom three, there’ll be more to spend because Ashley is frightened of what might happen if the club go down. “In short: I think they’ll be active in January, but it’ll be more “boxing smart” in the window.”
The fact that Ashley won’t invest unless Rafa commits still remains absurd and makes no business sense. Another manager of lesser ability would need finance to improve the side, as Rafa has the ability to coach and develop players and make the most out of what he has, a 10th place finish being a prime example.
One thing is for sure, the situation between manager and owner will come to a head soon – it has to. Rafa is likely to walk in the summer if he isn’t backed in January or the club is sold to new owners and who can blame him? January is one last chance for Ashley to back Benitez but let’s face it, we won’t be holding our breath.
It’s not an ‘update’ it’s the reporters opinion.
mactoon(Quote)
Mark Douglas one minute states Ashley is fed up with NUFC and wants to sell at 300m with no clauses. He then states Ashley could spend some money in the January. Window. Sounds like Mark Douglas making this up as he goes along. Fake news.
Dutch(Quote)
I’m not a fan of Ashley, but this article is so biased in favour of Benítez !!! And actually contradicts itself by stating he would need to back a new manager if Benítez goes, that’s exactly why Ashley won’t fund Benítez until he signs contract, as if he leaves then a new manager would almost certainly want to build their own squad !!! Benítez is just as stubborn as Ashley but uses his popularity with the fans to be decisive.
I would love Benítez to commit but he is hedging his bets and in honesty majority of his signings have been poor, including Kennedy whose impact last year was greatly exaggerated!!! Dubravka on the other hand was the signing who transformed our season.
All of this is of course my opinion
David(Quote)
Sorry Rafa don’t sign a thing until you have everything you want set in stone.
If you do sign make sure there is NO £6 MILL hanging over you if you deside to walk when he Reneges on the deal yet again.
You owe ASHLEY absolutely nothing, He is the biggest ARSEHOLE IN FOOTBALL TODAY.
Allan(Quote)
That’s what Mark Douglas was TOLD re. takeover based on what he heard from someone close to Ashley – this piece is just him saying what he thinks.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
So don’t call it an update Olly, an update would indicate news from within NUFC, this is simply Douglas’s opinion which doesn’t appear to be based on any facts. The Chronicle is making a habit of giving ‘Q&A’ articles when it seems they are based on the reporters opinion not information from anyone based within NUFC.
mactoon(Quote)
I haven’t wrote the article mate..
Point taken though.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Let’s call it an update of Douglas’s opinion seemingly not based on inside information or researched facts
mactoon(Quote)