Many Newcastle fans have taken to social media, reacting to the Chronicle’s Chief Sports Writer Lee Ryder’s rundown of the current situation surrounding Rafa Benitez.
Ryder claimed that, as of Friday, no decisive outcome had been reached between the Spaniard and club owner Mike Ashley regarding the boss’ proposed new contract, having sat down for the previous two days to thrash out the terms of a deal.
It was said that they had failed to make waves in breaking the deadlock which meant the situation had got as far as it did, with Benitez laying out his ideal terms long before the Premier League season came to an end.
One of the main sticking points seemed to be the former Real Madrid and Liverpool manager’s hopes of having a more significant influence over how the club tackled the transfer market, and a desire to change Ashley’s policy of only signing players under 24-years of age who would have some level of resale value, Ryder believes.
Ryder also noted that after more than 24 hours of meetings between Ashley and Benitez, there were no indications of any progress being made in any count.
So when his rundown was shared on Twitter, here’s how some of the St James’ Park faithful reacted…
Can we have a Brexit like extension? Extend his contract until Christmas and we will get it over the line #NUFC
— Byernysern (@byernysern) May 17, 2019
So Mike Ashley still messing Rafa about or is it just the Ronny Gill speculating again
— Neverending Ghosted Girl (@girl_ghosted) May 17, 2019
Farcical
— ⚫️⚪️Fozzie⚫️⚪️ (@Fozzie94) May 17, 2019
Clearly owner doesn’t want Rafa to stay! Another one not to make it over the line. #nufc #InRafaWeTrust #IfRafagoesWego
— Raymond Matthew Anderson. (@celticlad19533) May 17, 2019
Beginning to think Mike Ashley gets off on being hated.
— Niki (@Nikijosie) May 17, 2019
Anyone else waiting for the inevitable “we made a good offer, but couldn’t get it over the line” type statement?
— Jerry Sisk (@SiskJerry) May 17, 2019
Cashley will drag it out as long as possible, run the clock down so it’s to late to get decent replacement manager and players. He’ll sell the players that have a good sell on value
— Gareth McManus (@GeeMcToon) May 17, 2019
I will await the no contract and MA & LC statement about RB unrealistic demands.. Monday morning should be the press release!
— Craig (@lambeau2011) May 17, 2019
Ashley doesn’t negotiate, Rafa won’t stay working under the same conditions. Bye bye Rafa ???? #NUFC
— Tony Shaw (@shawt1974) May 17, 2019