Shaka Hislop wants Newcastle United relegation, but with good reasons

Could another season in the Championship actually be positive for Newcastle United?

Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez are fighting against relegation this season, with yesterday’s 3-0 result versus Southampton providing some much needed breathing room in the table. But there is still much to do to guarantee safety, and one former Magpie had an interesting take on the overall situation at St. James’ Park.

Shaka Hislop played with United from 1995 until 1998, and was an important piece of “The Entertainers” sides that pushed for Premier League titles. The goalkeeper is now an ESPN analyst, and when choosing between his old clubs he thought that Newcastle might actually benefit from the drop.

Are you confused yet? It may sound a bit bizarre, but Hislop has positive intentions with his choice of Newcastle instead of West Ham.

“I have picked Newcastle and I’ll tell you why. Because I think that would force Mike Ashley to sell and I think you will not see the best of Newcastle again, until Mike Ashley sells.”

The Trinidadian international certainly does not believe that owner Mike Ashley can lead the Toon to success, and thinks that relegation might be the major event that sees him leave the North East.

Speculation and risk

Hislop’s line of thinking is not completely incorrect, and Newcastle going down could ultimately have the desired effect. But that is impossible to know for sure at this point.

The Magpies have been relegated twice under Ashley’s watch, and he is still in charge of the operations. He seems more committed to selling this time than in past years, although the recent takeover collapse was discouraging all on its own.

Plus, considering the Hammers’ toxic atmosphere yesterday, it may be West Ham in the most trouble.

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Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez will continue fighting this season, and one would assume that is truly what Shaka Hislop wants to see.