RAFA HAS THE BEST HOWAY RECORD
RAFA BENITEZ and his migrating Magpies believe they can make a permanent nest in the Premier League next season – thanks to their defiant away form.
Benitez has put Kevin Keegan in the shade by masterminding a Newcastle United promotion based on a record 14 victories away from St James’ Park.
That is one better than the club managed under the inspirational Keegan in their title-winning ascent to the Premier League back in 1993.
The new mark was set on Friday night with a 2-0 victory at Cardiff City and boss Benitez says: “There are a lot of positives we can take forward from our away performances.
“We have broken the record and that was an excellent reaction from the players because we had already won promotion.
“We have confidence and we are already thinking pre-season. We know that you have to do things in advance.
Money
“All my life I have worked to a business plan. It is what you have to do.
“The question is where we are, how much money, can we do it with money if we sell players, which players are good enough, which players we have to change.”
Benitez will meet club owner Mike Ashley in the next few days to discuss plans for next season, and has already hinted he needs to buy at least eight new players.
One player Benitez is considering adding permanently to his squad is on-loan Chelsea winger Christian Atsu, who scored a brilliant free-kick in the victory over Cardiff.
“We know he is a good player, and we have to decide, but I am really pleased with him,” said Benitez.
“It is just a question to see where we are in terms of squad and decide.”