Newcastle are currently top of the Championship as they look to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Newcastle United’s Karl Darlow
Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow has described last season’s relegation from the Premier League as a ‘tough lesson’ for the players, the Chronicle reports.
The Magpies were relegated despite something of a revival towards the end of the season following the appointment of Rafa Benitez as their manager, but the remaining players are determined to put things right this time around as they bid to regain their status.
Darlow is quoted in the Chronicle, saying: “It was a relegation battle that we couldn’t, unfortunately, get out of, but since the manager came in we had a real good go at it and had we had the results from the back eight or nine games all season, we would have stayed up comfortably, I think.
“It was a tough lesson to learn for the team. I think it inspired everyone even more now.
“We want to get this club back up, because we feel responsible for going down.”
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez
So far, that bid to put things right seems to be going well as they sit three points clear at the top of the Championship – and an eight point cushion over third-place Huddersfield Town after 16 games.
There is a long way to go for the side this season but the initial signs are good, and they will look to make it eight consecutive league wins this weekend when they travel to Elland Road to take on Leeds United.
In a way, last season’s relegation could be the best thing to have happened to the club in the medium term as Benitez has been presiding over a rebuilding job that the club will hope makes them sustainable and more suited to the top flight in the future.
Newcastle United Manager Rafael Benitez
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
