Highest hopes for what Rafa’s doing

IT is great that the Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez is to continue his wonderful work so the Toon Army can withdraw their guns, lower the drawbridge and admit new troops for the forthcoming Premiership programme.

Benitez will fire the bullets, no doubt still under the watchful eye of Ashley, but here’s to him consistently hitting the bull with his transfer targets.

No doubt his current workforce will be radically reduced, to enable superior troops to be conscripted. Everyone clamours to know how, and for whom, the Ashley millions will be spent.

He is known to like a flutter, but is prepared to gamble with Rafa playing the cards.

There will no doubt be a few twists and turns! When the chips are down, prospective punters could make for higher bids. We don’t want to go bust!

It may be difficult to topple the “Big Six” – Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool – but in my opinion, it would be a successful reincarnation to the Premiership if the Magpies swooped into the top 10.

The icing on the cake would be a concerted effort in the two cup competitions, for once fielding the top team in both.

In the FA Cup, if successful, it would be the first time since the 50s. The coveted cup could return to the woefully bare and dust-ridden trophy cabinet at St James Park.

Even the Fairs Cup, it’s only notable entrant in 1969, has faded and is much in need of a polish and a partner. Next month Rafa must smash open the transfer window, and if successful the sky’s the limit!

Who knows, in two years he could become a Freeman of the City. Here’s hoping.

CHRIS ROBINSON, Gosforth