Andy Cole suggests that Newcastle United will struggle this season.
Former Newcastle United striker, Andy Cole, is worried that the Magpies could struggle badly if Rafael Benitez leaves the club.
Cole spent two years at St James’ Park and scored 68 goals in 85 games for them before joining Manchester United in 1994.
The former Fulham player is concerned that Mike Ashley, the Newcastle United owner, has not given Rafael Benitez enough money to spend in the summer transfer window.
Benitez was frustrated with the club’s lack of ambition in the transfer market, and speculations are rife that the Spaniard could leave the club.
Cole suggests that Newcastle “are going to struggle”, and the fans are disappointed because the owner has not kept his promise.
The 45-year-old believes that Newcastle will do well to achieve mid-table position especially with the players they have got, and might just stay away from the relegation fight.
He adds that Benitez has done a very good job in bringing the club back into the Premier League, but if the Spaniard leaves, Newcastle could fall like a pack of cards again.
“Yes, I think they are going to struggle. The fans are disappointed because I don’t think Mike Ashley has given Rafa what he wanted,” said Cole, as quoted by The Daily Star.
“And hopefully, hopefully if Rafa stays then they can go on from there. But if Rafa goes the club could fall like a pack of cards again.
“The fans believe in him. I think he has done a very good job. They were relegated but he got them back up. They finished winning the Championship.
“So that was the time for the board to bring in better players. Rafa knew what he needed.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle United registered back to back Premier League wins after the Magpies defeated Swansea City 1-0 at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday. The victory took them to 10th in the league table.
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