United fans choc-ful of praise for birthday boy Benitez

NEWCASTLE United manager Rafa Benitez has revealed a fan sent him a chocolate trophy as a birthday present – accompanied with a letter praising the Spaniard for restoring “belief and pride” in the Magpies. The United boss celebrated his 58th birthday on Monday and he received well-wishing messages from across Europe, as well as from thousands of Newcastle supporters. And one fan even sent him a chocolate cup – intended to resemble the Championship Trophy Benitez lifted with Newcastle last season – along with a note describing how they believe the former Real Madrid manager has transformed the club, both on and off the pitch.

“They are spectacular,” Benitez said of the support the Magpies receive from their fans during an interview with Spanish station Radio Marca to mark his 58th birthday.

“A fan sent me a cup, [the same as] my first cup as Newcastle manager. It’s a cup made out of chocolate in the shape of the Championship trophy.

“The person who sent me it is one of the fans who’s been a permanent fixture at home games for a long time and told me: ‘You’ve restored our belief and our pride. We’re together.’

“They’re really proud of what’s happening with the team at the minute.”

Newcastle secured a fourth successive Premier League victory on Sunday with a 2-1 win over Arsenal to moved up to 10th place in the table, 13 points clear of the drop zone.

That result also took United past the 40-point target Benitez set his side for survival, and the Magpies players received warm applause from the St James’ Park crowd after the game.

And the Spaniard believes this current Newcastle squad is “valued” so highly by supporters because they are fully committed to the club’s cause.

“The fans of Newcastle United value above anything else that those in the black-and-white shirt are committed and give everything,” Benitez added.

“That’s what they’ve got with these players and that’s why they value them so much.”