Ashley must open his cheque book

I THINK frustration with a capital F epitomises the feelings of Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez and the Toon Army.

Rafa is desperate for another striker and winger. Recently on the stocks was Stoke City’s striker Joselu, but United’s £12m offer was rejected. Surely a slight increase in the asking price would hardly be a small fortune in the current climate?

Then the Andros Townsend saga raised its head again with the ball rolling from Crystal Palace stating he’s now surplus to requirements.

Benitez looks to be thwarted again after falling foul of Ashley in the January sales.

Ashley’s purse strings seem to be ever tightening which makes a mockery following the euphoria of promotion when there was the hoped for £100m to be floated into the pool.

The Magpies have since nosedived into it, and are sinking without trace, and are a million miles away.

It appears Ashley and Charnley won’t put up the necessary cash. It makes a mockery of “Benitez handles all football matters.” It appears he has to go cap in hand for every available penny, and there aren’t many of them!

If NUFC doesn’t strength it’s squad then I think then I think the Championship could stare at them in the face again.

Only Gayle, Ritchie, Shelvey, Perez, and Atsu have Premiership pedigree. In my opinion there’s one Benitez blip where he’s crying out for a new goalkeeper.

I cannot comprehend why he wants rid of Karl Darlow who played quite well for a lion’s share of last season.

I think Rob Elliot, Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman would make a top trio.

One final chilling thought. If Rafa is further refused any incoming quality players, and the team makes a poor start to the season, Rafa could be gone by Christmas – if not before!