To say I am absolutely devastated by today’s news is an understatement, but I can’t thank Rafa enough for his efforts over the past three years.
He was more than just a manager, the best thing that happened to use since Sir Bobby and the one reason we believed the good times could return.
That’s what makes his exit all the more unbearable, and absolutely unforgivable that Mike Ashley made no real effort to keep him.
He saw our potential, he gave us hope and he fought for change, but he clearly couldn’t win against a man who only saw pound signs. He constantly fought a losing battle, but he never gave up on us.
This genuinely feels worse than the two moments we were relegated. Why? Because Rafa leaving means all hope dies with him for as long as Mike Ashley remains. It’s the hope that kills you – and Rafa brought us so much, even in this torturous Mike Ashley era.
He stayed with us when we went down, he got us back up, he kept us up, he finally created a strong defence, he signed incredibly on such limited resources, he improved average player, he reconnected a divided fanbase, he challenged Mike Ashley and he made us believe that the good times may just be around the corner.
He wasn’t just a brilliant tactician, father figure for players and inspirational football manager, he was a man who ‘got it’, understood us fans and lived up to his position at the centre of the Newcastle community.
I hope to see him back the day new owners finally release us from the chains Mike Ashley attached to NUFC 12 years ago.
Sadly, Newcastle United isn’t a football club to Mike Ashley. It’s a business and a cash cow he’ll milk for all it’s worth. He treats it like a business and won’t change for no one – even if he drives out a world class manager and hurts fans in the process.
One man isn’t bigger than Newcastle United, but this club will remain dormant until he (Ashley) has gone, with the fans being the only thing ready to erupt at this stage.
Thank you for everything Rafa, you will be missed – it’s just an absolute travesty that the only person who couldn’t see that was Mike Ashley.
To quote Diddy and faith Evans , I’ll be missing you. Sob??
Xtoon(Quote)
It really is sad to see Rafa go. We waited years for a world class manager and Ashley goes and ****’s it all up as per usual. Rafa did do well for us. Its a very depressing day been a toon follower.
Ryan(Quote)
Ashley is mental. If he continues to own the club into coming season then this fan goes begging for relegation. He deserves to lose his *** for his pigheadedness. Who the hell knows his motivation other than trying to pointlessly inflate his meager ego. Just mental.
Magpie in Memphis(Quote)
This could be the straw that breaks the camels back – Farewell Rafa.
Magpie in OZ(Quote)
I am absolutely devastated. Thank you so much Rafa for everything you’ve done. I only hope when Ashley goes that you might consider returning to us. Best wishes to you and your family ?
Sue Foreman(Quote)
The wrong man’s gone. Thanks for everything Rafa…thanks for nothing Mr High Street ???
Bill D(Quote)
Ashley is a **** of the highest order. Rafa got us and NUFC, his loss is a massive blow, this is the worst decision that **** as ever made. Sorry for my cursing but a new day hasn’t made me any calmer even though i knew it was coming.
Just sell up or drop dead you odious *****, not fussed which .
KIMTOON(Quote)
has *
KIMTOON(Quote)
I’m still in shock that the odious pr icks have let Rafa leave. Not just let him but driven him out.
The club’s board (who could they be Mr Ashley?) will now appoint a successor. I see wonderful names being linked. Avram Grant, Lee Bowyer, Ranieri, Bruce. None of them fit to lace Rafa’s boots.
Onwards and upwards. Not. I’m just so angry! That’s probably the end of this takeover story too.
georgio(Quote)
Ranieri will be right up Jabba’s street. He will describe him as championship winning manager whioch shows the ambition. 🙂
Stuart79(Quote)
Apparently the new manager won’t have control over transfers and will only be allowed to appoint one coach.
Stuart79(Quote)
Sky Bet have Jose favourite at 3/1, with Claudio and Moyes behind him at 6/1.
I have to say I really don’t care. I’ve given up on NUFC while Ashley owns it.
Ashley’s says he will only sell to someone who can take our club forward. Ironically, sacking Rafa has probably took our club backwards.
The only bet I would have confidence placing is that if Ashley stays, we will see another relegation in the next 3 seasons.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Does anyone else find it odd that Rafa hasn’t made a statement to the fans yet ? Can’t believe he will just go and not say goodbye to us.
NDA wouldn’t stop him saying goodbye to us, it’s unlike him to say nothing, maybe he has to wait until after 30th
kimtoon(Quote)
Stu, we’ll be down this season after he cashes in on our better players.
kimtoon(Quote)
I can’t quote for some reason but Kim this is to your comment that Rafa hasn’t say anything to fans yet. I have the same question. It makes me wondering is Rafa still waiting for the takeover and come back. You may think I am crazy but not saying good bye to fans loving him is not his style.
funrafa(Quote)
https://twitter.com/annaturley/status/795689611951542272
wow i know it’s ages ago 2016 but shows what SD are like.
kimtoon(Quote)
Funrafa
Yep, it’s very strange and very unlike the man.
kimtoon(Quote)
Rafa will have plenty to say after the 30th. Bet Ashley’s looking forward to it!
Still positive rumblings on the takeover. Surely even that’s not linked to Rafa’s departure.
georgio(Quote)
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/apr/19/off-radar-how-the-influential-radio-station-was-silenced-by-scandal
Ollie Ashley, jabbas son just as horrible as his old man
kimtoon(Quote)
Craig Hope Retweeted
Craig Hope
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@CraigHope_DM
20h20 hours ago
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Rafa Benitez once joked that you did not have to venture far down NUFC’s list of transfer targets before you found players with one arm or one leg. It was a joke but the subtext was serious
kimtoon(Quote)
Still no word from Rafa himself. I agree with Kim, the bloke is too much of a gent to walk away without thanking the fans.
The 30th remains a key date. It could be that he’s staying quiet because he makes a come back for the new owners – but if he makes a statement on the 30th, then I think that’s it sadly.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Rafa Benitez – the only manager ever sacked for being too ambitious.
Rafa Benitez – the only manager ever sacked for wanting to win something.
Make no mistake – sacked is the right word.
georgio(Quote)
If they want to go back to the Graham Carr method just give Nixon that French Sports Agency Mundial number and you will have his whole approach covered.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/mike-ashley-could-newcastle-go-17261731
kimtoon(Quote)
good read mate and very true mores the pity
icedog(Quote)
The saddest thing is we had genuine momentum at the end of the season. Lejuene, Longstaff and Almiron to come back too. Sign 2 or 3 top players and we’d have been very competitive next season. All wasted by a bloke who doesn’t even care about football never mind NUFC.
If they appoint Redfern as interim manager then there is hope of a takeover. Anything else isn’t worth thinking about.
georgio(Quote)
As disappointing as the Rafa situation is, I have to admit to having a bit of a chuckle at all the ridiculous speculation. Ashley is being made out to be some James Bond style villian whom is spending every waking moment trying to destroy the dreams and hopes of Geordie football fans .
This is the ideal situation for the clickbait profiteering media. This blogs news page is also a culprit. Regurgitated lies posted as thought peices. Wtf.. All designed to get the clicks on news now. I get all the passion and disappointment but the hysteria that is being generated by these bullshit stories is down right embarrassing. The willingness to buy right into the media spin beggars belief. People are almost willing it to be true because it reflects how they feel about Ashley. Its quite clever how the press gives the people what they want isn’t it! I hope Ashley goes and we can all move on.
Aussie Mag(Quote)
Rumors that the Arabs have walked away from the deal due to goal post being moved by Ashley.
Yep, because there was always a takeover wasn’t there 🙄
kimtoon(Quote)
Aussie – I know what you are saying mate, I’ve said plenty of times on here that I don’t think Ashley is the devil sent to destroy us – as he’s regularly made out.
However, it is crystal clear that he has no real interest or ambition for NUFC. He certainly doesn’t help himself by making sure actual media contact from the club is kept to an absolute minimum – whilst all the while he is buying up high street businesses like they are properties on a Monopoly board.
It did make me laugh the other day the amount of articles that went up about Darren Gough – a former England cricketer, claiming he saw an email about the takeover months ago. Every article wrote as if it were true – not one that I saw called it out as BS.
But, all that said mate, it is outrageous that Ashley has not been able to renew the contract of a world class manager who wanted to stay at the club. We don’t know what the sticking points were, but it seems it wasn’t his wages, or how much he had to spend – but more the restrictions of buying players of a certain age and reluctance to upgrade training facilities – and if that was the case, then that’s unforgivable really.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy, it will be interesting to see what the wash up of the Rafa deal is . They way I see it is Rafa was paid handsomely for his services. He wasn’t doing it all for love. I was more upset when Sir Bobby was sacked. Rafa was good for is but he was not a saint.. They obviously couldn’t agree terms and parted ways. Be interesting to see what went down..
Aussie Mag(Quote)
Kim – The only takeover I question was the Kenyon one, though I still think there was an enquiry, it never materialised into anything more than that. I think that one was blown up in the media.
I think the Staveley one and this one are genuine as both parties have confirmed it – Staveley even gave details of the 3 different offers made.
I think the Arabs are genuine too, but there is clearly some hold up, and I really don’t think it would be Ashley if he could get £350m. I think he knows groups who can actually pay out that kind of money don’t come along too often.
I expect the delays are with the premier league doing their checks.
As someone who has had their own frustrations with estate agents, I’m sure you know first hand that these things aren’t so straight forward. Both buyers and sellers can be on the same page and ready to get things done, but middle men slow things up.
I’ve also seen today that apparently Ashley is putting a deadline date on this takeover. I’m sure that will coz plenty to question the validity of the takeover as well. But at some point we need to turn our attention to next season and not only hire a new manager, but recruit some players too.
As much as he is an absolute $hitbag, Ashley can’t enough being hated. I watched Alan Sugar talking to Piers Morgan about his time at Spurs and can imagine Ashley’s situation is similar. It’s clear his focus is on high street properties, and I’m pretty certain if he could get £350m for NUFC and get out of it all with a handsome profit, he wouldn’t be slowing things down.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Wish i had your faith Sharpy.
I do believe BZG want us, however i also think Ashley’s greed knows no bounds and he will price us out of a sell, whether by upping the price or wanting to maintain his hold on merchandise.
He seems quite happy to cut off his nose to spite his face (Rafa going proof of that ).
At the moment we are odds on for relegation, and unless BZG never wanted Rafa then the club looks less attractive to would be buyers .
If we go into the new season with some no mark manager and no additions to squad of real worth and lose anyone of note then i can’t see any further interest in us until PL safety is assured AGAIN.
I have zero interest in any managers coming in tbh as i’m still gutted about losing Rafa, he was so much more than a manager. He was building the clubs relationship back up with the fans and now it’s at an all time low again, it’s a clusterfuck of epic proportions by the fatman even by his standards .
kimtoon(Quote)
Aussie – I know mate. I do think Rafa relished the idea of a ‘project’ with NUFC. His tactics weren’t appreciated at the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid and their fans did not take to him at all.
We got so used to mediocrity, that when Rafa walked through the door he was lorded – and to be fair, he performed brilliantly under the circumstances.
But you are right, he was paid handsomely and it suited his family life.
His experience meant he knew what to say and when to say it to cement and promote his position with the fans too. But let’s be right, I think we were all amazed and grateful that he stuck around in the Championship season.
I honestly believe his wages weren’t an issue. I also think he wasn’t looking for an unrealistic transfer budget. I think he wanted to upgrade the training facilities, and was told he’d have to wait – I think that would have niggled him, but it’s not something that couldn’t have been resolved. But I think he wanted to sign Rondon and players he wanted, regardless of age – and I think Ashley was dead against that – and wouldn’t back down.
I honestly think that was the break point. Rafa knew he wouldn’t win the league, but as long as he could develop a squad of HIS players so he could compete. As a football manager, a players ability is greater than his financial value – but not to an owner like Ashley.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy it will be sad if it was over player purchases. Particularly after already operating under a tight budget the past few years.
I also can’t see why Ashley would deliberately try and scupper this deal in anyway. He wants out. He does plenty of buying and selling and that would not be possible if he screwed every deal around for extra coin like some are suggesting.
Aussie Mag(Quote)
Kim – Rafa was brilliant, but there were also times he left me scratching my head – that said, I think he will be extremely hard to replace. But building relationships between fans and club was always going to be beyond even Rafa, because while Ashley is in charge, there is nobody who can fix that.
I think Ashley will try and secure sponsorship and advertising at SJP for his ever growing High Street chain, and will try and make it part of any deal – he’d be mad not too. But I don’t think he’d jeopardise a £350m sale for it. I don’t think even he realistically ever thought someone would be willing to pay that much.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I agree with you there Sharpy. It was probably the Rondon situation that neither Ashley or Rafa would budge on. In the big picture that we’re now left with that is a total ***** up. £16m is peanuts for a good centre forward but you’re prepared to lose your manager over it. Pathetically because he’s 29. Ars ehole!
georgio(Quote)
Aussie – I don’t imagine Rafa or the club would ever say. But if it’s Ashley sticking around, I suppose the players we buy may give us a clue – or the age of the player.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Georgio – if it is the case then I don’t blame Rafa one bit. As Aussie said, he was already operating on a tight budget. I don’t think he was one who was wanting to spend £60-70m on one player. But at least compete with the teams around us – Everton, WH, Leicester. The restrictions meant we weren’t even competing with clubs like Burnley or B’mth.
It kind of feels like the club have went from saying ‘you can sign older players – but not spend over £15m’ to now saying ‘we can spend over £15m, but not on players over 28’.
As a manager is held so accountable for team performance, I don’t think there should be those sort of restrictions put on them at all.
Sharpy17(Quote)
My phone has changed the spellings and even some of my words loads today ?.
But it’s been nice to converse with people today. Sometimes it feels like post dumping with little interaction – nice to share thoughts and opinions ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well I think the next 2 weeks will be pivotal. I don’t think Rafa will go to China. I still feel there’s a strong chance the sale will go through and the new owner will bring Rafa back.
If I’m wrong, then perhaps Gerrard, Arteta or even Van Bronckhorst May work out, but who knows? Not me anymore. ?
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Dubai – I still think there is something in the fact that Rafa hasn’t had anything to say yet. Maybe he is waiting until his contract officially expires – or maybe he’s coming back as you suggest.
Not sure I’d want any of the 3 you mention there though. I’m not sure inexperienced managers is the right route for a relegation battling team.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’ve just noticed one of the other articles on here with Joey Barton saying he couldn’t turn the job down in NUFC came calling.
What a to$$er that bloke really is!!. The person who was largely behind a player revolt at NUFC over bonus rows under Ashley. The player who has spoken so negatively about Ashley since leaving – yet if he offered him a job as manager he’d go work for him.
What an absolute worm!!. I can’t stand the bloke.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I have read, that one of Rafa’s main concerns was the speed at which we operated in the transfer windows. Makes sense as you could see his frustration at press conferences when asked about transfers. He recently said “we have to do things right, that’s what’s important” when asked about his contract renewal issues. That doesn’t strike me as, give me more wages, more let’s operate like a proper football club. The line that Edwards is towing now is completely out of order.
kimtoon(Quote)
toon have £9.4 mil bid turned down for Rondon .bloody cheap skate ashley ffs
icedog(Quote)
I wouldn’t want them either Sharpie, but they’ve been bandied about in the press a lot… don’t know who I would want to be honest… I’m a bit Meh…. a bit numb really. Still hoping BZG come through. I’ll not put a foot into SJP until Ashley’s gone. That really hurts as living so far away from home I always tried to catch a match when I went home.
Dubai Toon(Quote)
1.0 england ladies get in
kimtoon(Quote)
Ice, not surprised at that bid, Jabba knows the cost of everything and the value of nothing .
kimtoon(Quote)
get in ladies 2.0
kimtoon(Quote)
Ice – doesn’t that just back up Kim’s post about Rafa being frustrated at the club pi$$ about in the transfer window.
They know what WBA are wanting for the player, if we want him, pay it and move onto the next one – coz they’ll be at least 5 needed in this window.
Bunch of bloody amateurs man.
Sharpy17(Quote)
job done
3.0
kimtoon(Quote)
pen
Saved, **** it
kimtoon(Quote)
Quite enjoying watching these Lionesses… playing some nice football
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Kim – cracking result and deserved overall. But they were really sloppy in the second half – I think against USA or France they might have got punished
Sharpy17(Quote)
semi’s it is then, well done ladies.
😀
kimtoon(Quote)
Sharpy, yep tough test to come especially if USA. Then again France on home turf hmmm.
kimtoon(Quote)
It’s actually really easy to see why Rafa’s called time on NUFC. The club has messed him around so much on budgets, transfer targets and speed of deals. Ignored his pleas for an update of facilities and then offered him a really restrictive deal they knew **** well he’d turn down. Ashley wanted him out because he’s just too ambitious and that costs money.
georgio(Quote)
Report Redfearn will take charge of 1st team for time being. Thats good news for takeover in my opinion. See what happens I guess
Shamrock(Quote)
I don’t know what to believe anymore. I know what to disbelieve and that is any transfer rumours unless it is a sale, beacause that would just be Ashley greed and he would make the decision. Who would make the other decisions – Charnley, Wise, Nixon? Nobody knows what their job is so the whole organization is effectively frozen.
So any incomings speculated on either on here or in The Chronic are just meaningless noise.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So a rubbish metal midi skip on wheels being towed by a flat truck van has just come loose on my hill and hit my parked car 👿 They have sped off and noone got the number plate !
Looks like the container was stolen as the company say they don’t use flat beds and none of their containers out in my locality . Having the week from hell tbh.
kimtoon(Quote)
Sham – I thought that too, then I remembered this bunch happily put John Carver in charge for half a season and that made me less optimistic ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
So Roberto Martinez is now the front runner – the fact that’s 3 different favourites in 3 days suggests nobody has a clue
Sharpy17(Quote)
Second guessing known liars and chancers really is a mug’s game. Or should I say fan’s life!
Nothing yet has been said by the club, MA or Rafa. Everything is just journo speculation. And boy they’re having fun with it all.
georgio(Quote)
not one of them could lace rafas boots.
I’m resigned to no takeover, no decent manager and losing our best players then dropping.
All the above is more realistic than any fakeover, good manager and decent signings.
kimtoon(Quote)
NUFCThreatLevel Retweeted
Graeme Dougal
@bigGraemeD
2h2 hours ago
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#nufc fans, I’ve got a load of #ashleyout t-shirts – £7.50 each with all profits to @nufcfoodbank. Going to need a hand promoting them and any offers of help with distribution etc would be great. @ArsenalBoycott @AshleyOutdotcom @nufctrust
kimtoon(Quote)
good game this Ger v Swe ladies
1.1
kimtoon(Quote)
So the mirror are today saying Rafa was let go as BZG don’t want him and wouldn’t want to pay out compo and Ashley was just doing what they want 😆
So we’re defo sold then, oh aye, that explains why NUFC put out a statement that they tried but failed to reach an agreement with Rafa.
Also presumably any new manager signed by Ashley will need compo if BZG didn’t want him.
What a bloody circus, this is what happens when you have an inept PR machine peddling your BS.
They must think we are all living under rocks.
No takeover, never happening
Rafa gone, always happening
That’s it, no BZG, KENYON or whom ever.
unwilling seller
unambitious owner
unmitigated disaster
Ash out
kimtoon(Quote)
You would think MA could afford decent PR people. The rubbish that they put out is hard to believe from any angle.
Still very sad about it all. Rafa is probably the only manager I’ve ever actually liked. We got SBR ten years too late and KK is so full of himself I found him unbearable. The rest have been total rubbish.
georgio(Quote)
Georgio , was gutted about Bobby going and i would of loved him in earlier too.
Rafa is not easy to replace, still can’t think about a new guy yet, except to say not impressed with any names linked.
kimtoon(Quote)
I think we need an update feom BZG directly now.. Been too quiet for too long. Cant see any good reason for it any more. Its been several weeks and the PL checks should surely been done by now
Shamrock(Quote)
How **** good are the Cure, Robs voice sounds the same as it did in his twenties ! loving this set tonight.
kimtoon(Quote)
Well today was the day Rafas contract ended and nothing – not a word or statement or anything from him.
So it’s either he’s returning when this take over happens – or he’s a told gob$hite and all his warm words for the fans was all talk.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Allegedly Rafa will put something out today Sharpy. I doubt he will say anything too controversial though.
Shamrock(Quote)
No real surprises or revelations in Rafas letter. The clubs response today is no different. All we know is unfortunately both parties couldn’t find some middle ground.
Pity.. like sand through an hourglass…..
Aussie Mag(Quote)
Thank you Rafa, for giving us 3 years of hope for the future .
I think his letter says it all really. Classy and succinct summing up of the situation at the club.
Crying shame really, what could of been with a little ambition.
kimtoon(Quote)
Nice words from Rafa don’t really help at this stage. It’s obviously his words too not some PR written rubbish like the club’s stuff. Good luck in the future Rafa!
Of all the candidates to replace him I like the look of Roberto Martinez but he too might have a moral compass.
georgio(Quote)