Leaving Newcastle United for West Ham United wouldn’t be the move Rafa Benitez has earned and might even be a step in the wrong direction.
According to The Telegraph, the West Ham board haven’t been entirely sold on the idea that David Moyes is the man for them and are instead considering Rafa Benitez, Sean Dyche, and Manuel Pellegrini.
The easiest of the three is likely to be Benitez, given he’s yet to commit fully to Newcastle, whereas Dyche remains under contract and Pellegrini would likely take some persuasion to leave a lucrative deal in China.
Moving must tempt Benitez. Newcastle is a struggle and one that frustrates greatly with the enormous potential permanently stifled by an appalling boardroom – although the same can be said for West Ham.
Images of a fan on the pitch waving around a corner flag, Mark Noble threatening to punch another, and enormous protests towards the owners live fresh in the memory; West Ham is not a club without frustration, problems and woeful management.
They frequently threaten to push into the upper echelons of the Premier League only to literally sink like a hammer towards relegation – something they then either beat or succumb to.
Yes, the Magpies are remarkably similar and there would be more to spend in London, but Benitez is adored in Newcastle and gives the impression he’s slowly building something – another year of safety and you can bet your house that those investors are throwing money at Mike Ashley to jump on board.
West Ham would be a sideways move – possibly better at first but without the adulation and without that shining light at the end of the tunnel.
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