Back Benitez soon or run the risk of losing him

OUR WRITERS’ VERDICTS ON A SUMMER OF STALEMATE SO FAR

RAFA Benitez’s future at Newcastle United is once more the topic of hot debate on Tyneside, with rumours about the Spaniard’s situation abounding.

The Chronicle understands Benitez is NOT set to walk away from his project at St James’ Park, despite frustrations over the lack of movement in the transfer market so far this summer.

But while the United hierarchy fail to add to the squad, the rumours about his Benitez potentially leaving Newcastle will continue.

So what is the feeling among our sports writers? Here, we assess the current situation.

LEE RYDER CHIEF SPORTS WRITER There’s no doubt that Rafa Benitez has been frustrated by the lack of transfer activity so far.

But I don’t think he is close to walking away.

Of course, things can change very quickly in football. The reality is that Rafa will want to see some progress on the transfer front – and quickly.

If deals don’t start flowing then I think it will naturally be a problem for the manager.

He is right to flag up how slow things are going and is only doing his job by expressing such concerns.

If Newcastle were to get close to the first game of the season or towards the end of the window and there has been no statement of intent that might be different.

That statement has to be a plethora of new players.

Benitez needs to be backed now. Every genuine fan of the football club can see that.

CHRIS WAUGH SPORTS WRITER

Rafa Benitez is undoubtedly frustrated with the current situation, but he is methodical in everything he does. He does not make rash decisions.

The Newcastle boss will have made it clear to managing director Lee Charnley what he needs his squad to look like come August 12, if the Magpies are to “compete” in the Premier League as he desires.

Over the next few weeks, Benitez will assess United’s transfer activity and decide whether promises he was given at the end of the season are being met.

Benitez played his hand in January and made it clear he was willing to walk if things were not resolved.

When you make such ultimatums more than once, they can start to appear like empty threats. But Kevin Keegan was famed for constantly threatening to resign – and eventually he did, both under John Hall and Mike Ashley.

The Sports Direct magnate cannot afford to test his manager’s patience.