Benitez would welcome Newcastle owner Ashley to St James’ Park - 7M sport

Benitez would welcome Newcastle owner Ashley to St James’ Park



Posted Friday, September 28, 2018 by PA

Benitez would welcome Newcastle owner Ashley to St James’ Park

Rafael Benitez will be happy if controversial owner Mike Ashley turns up at St James’ Park on Saturday because it means he cares about Newcastle.

The two men have found themselves embroiled in something of a stand-off in recent weeks with the Spaniard unwilling to sign a contract extension until he is given assurances that the sportswear magnate shares his ambition.

Ashley refused to release significant cash during the summer transfer window with his manager having not committed his future to the Magpies.

Ashley sprang something of a surprise when he turned up for last Saturday’s 0-0 Premier League draw at Crystal Palace, the first time he had attended a match since May last year, although the atmosphere could be rather different on Tyneside this weekend with further fan protests against his ownership planned.

However, Benitez insists he would be happy to see him at St James’.

Asked if Ashley is due to attend the home game against Leicester, he said: “I’m not sure 100 per cent because it depends on him, but if he comes, it’s fine. Good. Positive.

“If the owner wants to be around, that is positive, it has to be positive. I don’t see any problem with that because it means that he cares and is supporting the team. Hopefully that will be the case in the next weeks and months.”

Benitez fought all summer for funds to strengthen the squad which secured a surprise 10th-placed finish last season in its first campaign back in the top flight despite Ashley promising him “every penny” the club generated.

He will hold a meeting with scouts next week to identify potential targets for January, a month which is likely to have a major say in whether he will remain with the club beyond the confines of his current deal.

However, he was adamant that the talks are not a special summit meeting resulting from Ashley’s presence at Selhurst Park.

He said: “Yesterday, I met (head of recruitment) Steve (Nicksen), I met (managing director) Lee (Charnley) at different times, but just talking about in general everything.

“We will have this meeting with the scouts just to be sure that we know what we are looking for, and that’s it. It’s not a special meeting, it’s just a normal meeting.”

In the meantime, Benitez will concentrate on the task of securing a first win of the season against the Foxes with his side having managed to collect only two of the first 18 points it has contested in an intensely difficult start to the new season.

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