Lascelles’ joy proving point to doubters

JAMAAL Lascelles admits he was delighted Newcastle United “proved the doubters wrong” last season – after being left “angered” by criticism of the Magpies’ squad.

The United captain led Newcastle to a 10th-placed finish, despite the Magpies having been among the pre-season favourites for relegation straight back to the second tier.

Some pundits even claimed that Rafa Benitez was using a “Championship squad” in the Premier League, and predicted Newcastle needed to bring in a whole new first XI if they were to harbour any hopes of survival.

But Lascelles always maintained throughout the campaign that he believed Newcastle had more than enough to survive, and he was delighted United were able to confound the sceptics.

“As captain of this team, it’s not nice to hear: ‘This team’s not good enough’, and: ‘You need better players.’ It angers me,” the 24-year-old explained.

“I know these boys, and I know how good they are. Not only that, I know they’ll give 110 per cent for the badge, and that’s why we’ve not had to worry about relegation.

“With five games to go, we were clear and in mid-table. These boys have so much about them and I’m so pleased we proved those doubters wrong.”

Lascelles has been heavily linked with Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and West Ham United this summer, but the United skipper is keen to stay at St James’ Park – and Benitez wants to continue working with his captain, too.

Over the course of the last two seasons - during which time Lascelles skippered the Magpies to promotion as Championship winners and then a 10th-placed Premier League finish - the centre-back has built up an excellent relationship with Newcastle supporters.

Wor Flags held up a banner depicting the United captain last season, while both home and away supporters regularly chanted his name.

Seemingly Lascelles is keen for that relationship to continue growing over the coming years, too, despite interest from elsewhere – and he is aiming for an even higher finish next term.

“They put so much time and effort into supporting us. They really appreciate us, and I just want them to know how much we appreciate them,” Lascelles said about Newcastle fans.

“I can’t thank the supporters enough. Hopefully next season we can give them another positive one.”