This is a club worth buying
SHOCK WIN SHOWS TOON ARE REAL ASSET
Sports writer NEWCASTLE United are still up for sale. Mike Ashley still wants to sell the club and the Magpies fans still want the Sports Direct owner gone.
Yet while a new owner might seem a long way off, Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United was the perfect showcase for any prospective buyer.
On and off the pitch Sunday saw the club at its best – passionate and united.
Given the club is far from fighting at full-strength, Sunday begs the question of what might be possible with investment and an owner prepared to take an active interest.
If Rafa Benitez is given the transfer funds and control to bring in the players he wants, days like Manchester United might not be considered so rare they are worthy of the front page anymore.
Despite the frustrations of the transfer window and a run of eight home games without a victory, St James’ Park was sold out as usual. The 52,000-plus Geordies sang their hearts out and cheered United over the line to what was one of the most important victories of the season.
The phrase ‘12th man’ can sometimes be used as a cliche but on Sunday that is exactly what the St James’ Park crowd became.
It was a cauldron of noise. It was like the Entertainers Era in the mid-1990s under Kevin Keegan or the adventures with Sir Bobby Robson. Manchester United were rocked.
The players appreciated it. No one can doubt the effort, commitment and work ethic of this Newcastle side week in week out but Sunday felt different.
There was belief and drive and Manchester United, despite the wealth of their squad littered with world-class stars, were matched by a team largely made up of players who played in the Championship last term.
Jamaal Lascelles, Jonjo Shelvey and Mo Diame were the stars but Paul Dummett, Ayoze Perez and Dwight Gayle showed the grit and determination which may prove crucial in the fight against relegation.
Sunday was more than the damage limitation that was the plan against bigger sides like Manchester City.
It was a fight for their club and for their supporters and when Matt Ritchie calmly fired home the celebrations said it all. There was belief among the crowd and for any potential buyer it was the perfect advert about why they should support the club.
Benitez got the ball rolling when he committed in March 2016. Relegation did nothing to dampen those flames and the fans still believe - despite the bad run of results this season. The togetherness of the manager, players and fans has simply being re-affirmed.
In front of a global audience, St James’ Park was full and rocking, the players were fearless and the spine of a talented team was shown in great light.
Beating Manchester United handed the Magpies three valuable points - but hopefully it may also make someone sit up and take notice. Newcastle United are worth investing in.