Benitez ‘gets’ Newcastle, just as Keegan and Sir Bobby did – and this man has worked with them all
IF there is one employee at Newcastle United who is best placed to compare Rafa Benitez to previous managers, it is Derek Wright.
During his 34 years at St James’ Park, head physiotherapist Wright has watched 28 separate men – if you include interim bosses and caretaker coaches – take their place in the home dugout.
For Wright – just as so many fans have observed and recognised – Benitez ‘gets’ Newcastle; he understands the history of the club, and he recognises the importance of tradition on Tyneside.
Just as Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson did previously, Benitez has worked tirelessly from the moment he arrived on Tyneside to build a connection with supporters – and to allow them to dream big.
That has impressed Wright; and so too has the Spaniard’s attention to detail, which is something head physiotherapist believes is one of the key reasons why Newcastle’s injury record has improved to such a degree since Benitez arrived at the club in March 2016.
“We have a manager now whose eye for detail is incredible,” Wright explained during a fascinating wideranging interview in The Times.
“The injury record since he’s been here has been phenomenal and that’s down to his meticulous planning, when to use or rest players.
“At the same time, he has a depth of feeling. It means a lot. Some people have worked here who wouldn’t have a clue about tradition, about Geordie people.”
Throughout Wright’s time at the
club, the three managers who appear to have had the greatest impact upon the 59-year-old are Benitez, Sir Bobby and Keegan.
What impresses Wright most about that trio is the impact they have on the city, and not just the club; they have the ability to make fans believe in progress, and offer hope for a positive future.
“I worked out recently that I’ve had 28 managers, including interims and caretakers,” added Wright, who first joined Newcastle as a physiotherapist in October 1984 – having played reserve-team football for Arsenal and then Fulham, where he worked under Malcolm Macdonald.
“They’ve all been different. Those first five years under Kevin were amazing.
“We were winning every game. It almost felt easy. He was such a good man-manager.
“Under Kevin, Sir Bobby, Rafa now, when the fans have that connection, it feels so powerful. Everyone is swept along.
“I remember standing at Durham station with Bobby and a train flew through, bending around the corner.
“He’d say: ‘Derek, how does that train stay on the track?’
“He wasn’t taking the mickey. He had that inquisitive nature. Footballwise, he was a genius.”