Alan Shearer issues warning to NUFC fans as he prepares for new Mike Ashley PR stunt - Must-read
Yesterday, Alan Shearer reacted to the devastating news with a tribute to 'world class manager' Rafa Benitez, but today the former NUFC number 9 has launched a must-read attack on Mike Ashley.
Not only does Shearer slate the 'shambolic' regime for angering fans, leaving a city devastated and allowing a manager worth '15 points' per season to walk away, he warns supporters that an Ashley PR stunt is coming.
He will know Ashley better than most after his brief spell in charge (and end of season talks) in 2009, and he believes we will now see propaganda come out from the club in the coming days, stating that they'll claim "we offered him this and that, we said he could have so many millions to spend."
He urges us not to believe it, saying 'we know the truth' after several repeat offences from Mike Ashley.
Here's his take on the whole situation in a passionate rant following yesterday's crushing announcement:
'LIKE every Newcastle fan, I am devastated Rafa Benitez is leaving the club.
'It is desperately sad news and a massive blow — and it is ridiculous it has to come to this.
'Newcastle were fortunate enough to have a world-class manager who was doing a very good job and they have just allowed him to walk away for nothing.
'It is a shambles and a travesty. It doesn’t make any sense.
'From the reaction on social media, you can see how angry the fanbase is, but they will not blame Rafa for leaving and neither do I.
'He has been brilliant but he has completely lost trust in those he is working for, which is not the first time that has happened at Newcastle under owner Mike Ashley.
'Such has been the breakdown in their relationship, I am told Rafa did not even know Newcastle were putting the statement out yesterday.
'Rafa and the Toon Army deserve better than that.
'You will see the propaganda come out from Newcastle in the next few days — we offered him this and that, we said he could have so many millions to spend.
'But as fans we know the truth. It has happened too many times at the club.
'By appointing a manager of the calibre of Rafa Benitez, it was the chance for Mike to say: “Whatever has gone on in the past, we are going to move forward with him and we will do everything we can to keep him.”
'Instead, it is the same old story and Newcastle are back to square one.
'Rafa did a top job there under very difficult circumstances.
'Despite his proven pedigree, he was happy to drop down to the Championship. And he got Newcastle up at the first attempt, then finished tenth and 13th in the Premier League on a limited budget.
'Rafa united the fans and gave them belief, which they had not had for a long time.
'He passionately cared for the club and the supporters, but above all, he knew the potential Newcastle carried.
'I know Rafa can be political but the man delivers. All he wanted was what was best for the club.
'Most managers have issues with whoever they have to answer to, but you have to have some sort of rapport with someone at the club that shares your ambition.
'All Mike Ashley wants is for Newcastle to survive but Rafa is bigger and better than that.
'He doesn’t want to be fighting a relegation battle every year, he wants to take a team forward.'
The second last line sums it up for me. Ashley just wants to stay up after spending the bare minimum, but a world class boss like Rafa Bentiez is MUCH better than that.
What a complete and utter shambles we have become under Mike Ashley.
A club and city reconnected by Rafa Benitez has just been left in tatters from the pure incompetence of one man.
