Could former Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill really be appointed by Premier League strugglers Newcastle United if Rafa Benitez leaves?
You really have to commend Rafa Benitez for staying at Newcastle United for as long as he has.
The Spaniard has been forced to work with one hand behind his back at St James’ Park, with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley either unwilling or unable to adequately back his manager in the transfer market.
After leading a limited Newcastle side to a top-half finish in their first season back in the Premier League last season, all that progress appears to have been destroyed following a frustrating transfer window in which Benitez was seemingly blocked from bringing in many of his top targets.
In the end, Newcastle spent a paltry £20 million over the summer and have since struggled in the first few weeks of 2018/19, drawing one and losing four of their five Premier League games.
Even the most ardent Newcastle fanatic could hardly blame Benitez if he decided to walk. After all, surely the former Liverpool, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Inter Milan boss could find a more ambitious club willing to pay for his services.
In latest odds provided by Paddy Power, via the Sack Race, there is already a shock front-runner to replace Bentiez should he depart – the former Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill.
The 66-year-old Republic of Ireland boss won just 21 of 66 games at Sunderland between 2011 and 2013 and it goes without saying that most Newcastle fans would rather keep Benitez. The grass is not always greener after all.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
