Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley will face a supporter backlash like no other if he pushes manager Rafael Benitez out of the club.
That’s according to Magpies legend Rob Lee, who joined talkSPORT on Tuesday to discuss the latest on Benitez’s future in the St James’ Park hotseat.
Benitez is adored by the Toon Army for his miraculous work over three years on Tyneside; he got the club back into the Premier League and beat the odds to keep them there with one of the most meagre budgets in the top flight.
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Rafa Benitez has worked wonders with limited resources at Newcastle
However, there is a currently a shadow of uncertainty over the club regarding the Spaniard’s future with no progress on an extension to his contract, which is due to expire at the end of the season.
Latest reports claim Ashley has made a written offer to the Champions League-winning coach to stay at the club, but it is understood official talks will not start until Newcastle are guaranteed safety from relegation.
The Magpies appear more or less safe at the moment in 12th place, seven points clear from the bottom three with seven games remaining.
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However, Benitez has been linked with other jobs around Europe and, without a promise of cash to fund a squad overhaul, few would begrudge him leaving this summer.
The finger of blame for Benitez’s exit will instead point at Ashley, and fan favourite Lee has warned the owner what he will face if his stinginess forces the popular manager to end his spell with the Toon.
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Newcastle fans are desperate for Mike Ashley to sell their beloved club
Speaking to talkSPORT host Jim White on Tuesday, the former midfielder said: “I met Mike Ashley once with Alan Shearer many, many years ago. He was OK… he just seems to take one step forward and two massive giant steps back.
“He seems to want to upset the Geordies.
“You think he’s doing alright, then he comes out with that statement at the end of the season a few years ago… ‘We are going to invest money, we are going do this and that, every penny we generate we’ll give back to the manager…’, but he never does it.
“He never does what he says.
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Meanwhile, those same fans are desperate to keep hold of manager Rafa Benitez
“You said a little while ago that he will be there [at Newcastle] until the end of the season, but he will be there longer than that.
“He won’t sell.
“I don’t think he wants to sell.
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“He doesn’t put much money into the club and if he loses Rafa we’re in serious trouble. I genuinely believe that.
“The fans are fantastic. Considering what they’ve been through on and off the pitch over the last few years, they’re still behind the manager and the team.
“The fans will always support their club, but if he [Ashley] loses Rafa Benitez I think it will be a different ball game, I really do.â€
Listen back to Rob Lee’s Newcastle chat on talkSPORT in full above!
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