TOON BOSS HAS HOME FIXTURE THIS SUMMER

RAFA BENITEZ has been so busy trying to plot Newcastle’s Premier League campaign he did not take a holiday this summer. The Toon boss has so far spent £33million recruiting five new players since winning the Championship title last season. And Newcastle’s lack of investment in his squad is proving frustrating after he worked through the close season to identify targets.

Benitez even shelved plans for a holiday break abroad – and instead treated himself to just a few days off at his family home on Merseyside. The Spaniard said defiantly: “There was no holiday. I spent some time with my family in Liverpool – but that was it.” Newcastle kick off their new season against Tottenham at St James’ Park on Sunday.

And he added: “All I can do is prepare the team properly for every game. I have to continue sending my players the right message and giving them confidence about what we are trying to do.”