Newcastle United secured promotion back to the Premier League with a win over Preston North End earlier this week.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez
A report in the Daily Mirror has suggested that Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is yet to reach out to Rafa Benitez and congratulate him for securing promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
The Magpies guaranteed that they would be joining Brighton in booking their spot in the top flight for next season with an emphatic 4-1 win over Preston North End at St James’ Park on Monday night.
But despite the tremendous achievement, the Mirror reports that Ashley – who reportedly has a distant relationship with the Spaniard – has not congratulated the manager for what the club has achieved.
The Mirror adds that with Benitez’s future somewhat up in the air, the lack of recognition from the owner will not help the club if the former Chelsea boss decides to consider his options.
While Ashley may perhaps feel that he does not need to offer his congratulations because of what was expected of Newcastle this season – if that is the case – that would arguably be unfair due to the unpredictability of the Championship.
Mike Ashley
Aston Villa have shown that being a club with great stature, a large budget and a Champions League winning manager at the helm certainly does not guarantee any success as they look set for an uninspiring mid-table finish and Roberto Di Matteo’s tenure was only brief.
And Newcastle fans will surely be furious if the lack of recognition from the owner has any impact on Benitez’s desire to stay at St James’ Park.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
