DROP DID US GOOD
Toon’s relegation rebuild
PAUL DUMMETT believes relegation may have been a blessing in disguise for Newcastle.
Rafa Benitez’s men take on play-off contenders Leeds at St James’ Park tonight knowing three points could leave them just one win away from reclaiming their top-flight status.
While a season in the Championship has cost the Toon millions in TV revenue, they are in a better state than at any time since they finished fifth in the Premier League five years ago.
Tough
Local lad Dummett said: “Relegation could have been a blessing in disguise because, I suppose, it has helped turn things around. Hopefully we can be on the up now.
“Obviously it was disappointing to be relegated and as a Newcastle fan, it felt even worse.
“My first few seasons here were really tough because we were not doing well and it was quite negative, so to have a year in the Championship, after all that, can maybe do us no harm really.
“Being part of a winning team is totally different and to have that good vibe around the place is really positive.
“The feeling around the club, the city, everywhere is much better.
“Being from Newcastle, there’s no getting away from it for me because all friends and family want to talk about is football.”
Newcastle could be five points behind leaders Brighton by the time they kick off tonight. It is a situation that does not concern Benitez, who insists promotion is the be-all and end-all.
Privately he must think finishing behind the Seagulls may strengthen his hand in negotiations with owner Mike Ashley this summer.
But left-back Dummett said: “Of course the title matters.”