Newcastle United supporters could be faced with a different reality if the club did not return to the top flight quickly. A very different reality.
Newcastle United confirmed their place in the Premier League once again in 2017-18, in large part thanks to the incredible work of manager Rafa Benitez. According to managing director Lee Charnley the club took a “gamble” for 2016-17 in their one-season return to the top flight, and one can’t help but think how different things could be at St. James’ Park if the Magpies didn’t bounce back.
In an interview with The Daily Mail, Charnley spoke of what could have happened if the Toon remained in the Championship. “It would have been a catastrophe, a bloodbath.” This is not just from the perspective of the fans either, as he went on to detail that the manager and many players would have departed the North East.
“The manager would likely have gone. Some of the players would have wanted to go. Matt Ritchie, for example, bought into this on the basis of one year in the Championship.”
That is an accurate assessment in many ways, as there was always the feeling that Newcastle simply had to get back to the Premier League right away with Benitez at the helm.
If they did not, it is tough to imagine where they would be exactly, and what the team might look like.
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The club would not have been able to keep the wage bill at high levels, so difficult choices would have been made. As Charnley mentioned, Ritchie would not have stayed. Also, Kenedy and Martin Dubrvaka would not have signed loan deals.
Florian Lejeune may not have been convinced to join this past summer, with both Jonjo Shelvey and Jamaal Lascelles probably looking elsewhere.
Benitez walks
The most damaging effect would have been found with United’s manager, and the idea of Benitez leaving certainly seems devastating for supporters (especially now).
Another switch at the top would have caused a strain on the players, bringing stress for all involved with the club.
The Toon do not have to look far to see how deep they could have fallen, as neighbours Sunderland prepare for League One football and Accrington Stanley away in 2018-19.
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Gambles can bring massive rewards. For Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez, their title run in the Championship last season produced these rewards, but it was also critical to the future.