George Caulkin reveals his theory behind NUFC's current struggle - This makes a lot of sense

George Caulkin has taken to Twitter to suggest just why Newcastle have endured such an uninspiring start to the new season, believing there is no longer a 'cause to get behind'.

George - one of the most well respect writers in the North East - seems to believe that this is main reason why both fans and players have lacked that 'intensity' shown last season, and I think he's spot on.

We are no longer that newly promoted team hoping to prove to everyone that we are more than a 'Championship squad'. Rafa's project has taken one step forward (following last season's 10th place finish) but two steps back after a total lack of ambition was shown over the summer.

For the last two seasons prior, we had a goal, we were on a mission; to get promoted and then to stay up. Now it feels like we're stagnant - so where does that fire or intensity come from? All the momentum we created has been sucked out from the club.

Here's what Caulkin has had to say on Twitter:

"For the last two seasons, there has been a clear, defined goal for NUFC: get promoted, stay up.

"For all the uncertainty about Benitez's position, the ownership etc, there has been a cause to get behind, intensity. That intensity is difficult to maintain - in the team, in the stands - if the manager, now in the final year of his contract, is being asked to do more of the same. 

"How do you buy into stasis? Where does the fire come from?

"Perhaps this is skewed by tough fixtures, but the 2nd half performance and atmosphere yesterday have to be concerns."

https://twitter.com/CaulkinTheTimes/status/1041262451063439361

The Times' North East correspondent has hit the nail on the head here for me.

Do you agree with him?