After the euphoria of promotion back to the Premier League, Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has delivered a dose of reality.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez celebrates being promoted to the premier league
The Magpies are back in the big time next season after bouncing back at the first time of asking under Rafa Benitez.
It is a task which has become increasingly difficult and more infrequent with West Ham United the last side to do so back in the 2011/12 season.
But despite the euphoria that being back on the Premier League gravy train brings, club legend Shearer has lifted the lid on his mistrust of owner Mike Ashley and fears for his old club in his latest column in The Sun.
“Newcastle are at a crossroads — and I’m not convinced Mike Ashley will take the right turn,” Shearer told The Sun.
“What evidence is there that he is going to change now?
Mike Ashley
“He clearly acceded to some of Rafa Benitez’s demands last summer, which is why he stayed on to get Newcastle back up. But it is a different ball game now.
“As soon as promotion was confirmed and Rafa refused to commit his future to Tyneside, I had to worry.
“Benitez won’t want to go into next season knowing he has a squad only good enough for a relegation scrap. He won’t have it.”
After years of searching Newcastle finally have a manager fit to fill the boots of the beloved Sir Bobby Robson.
Goodbye Benitez?
But Shearer is right, the owners and a lack of ambition and proper investment could see him walk away.
Benitez has managed some of the top clubs in Europe in recent seasons including Real Madrid, Napoli and Chelsea.
And after sacrificing himself for a season in the Championship he will want assurances it was worth it with a sizeable transfer war chest to establish the St James Park outfit as a genuine top flight side.
All the questions will be answered either way this summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
