Magpies facing a battle to stay up

DOES the Toon Army, and all Newcastle United supporters, really think Mike Ashley’s going to flood the market with much need millions in the January transfer window, which may be ajar, but never fully open?

Can Rafa Benitez really expect to recruit first-class players for an ailing squad, with only stubs in the Sports Direct cheque book?

At the 11th hour in the summer, the transfer window was again virtually shut, with only on-loan purchases.

In a manic move, Salomon Rondon from West Brom appeared, who couldn’t hit his hat down there, but preferred to Dwight Gale, who wasn’t a prolific goalscorer but could create passes for strikers who aren’t there!

The only large cash sale was £9.5million for Yoshinori Muto, who’s full of Eastern promise.

Benitez refuses to criticise his squad, who all work even

harder after another pointless exercise. Ashley’s already said there’s no late Christmas presents in January, as House of Fraser will have run out of wrapping paper.

Benitez may receive another contract, or get an early Easter egg, but extras for a new academy, better training facilities etc are only available with a five-year-interest-free loan from Sports Direct.

It’s not essential for Rafa’s new contract, as his wallet’s still full of pesetas, but with another £6m, could join Ashley on the tables, and while discussing new blood for St. James’ Park, wouldn’t know whether to stick or twist.

I’m a long-term Newcastle United supporter, and would love the Ashley regime to bite the dust, or as preferred by the Toon Army, with him under it!

After a little research, I’ve found some interesting facts and figures for Ashley’s computer, which I don’t think will foul his system.

There’s Norwich in 2004-05, Watford in 2006-07, QPR and Reading in 2012-13, Burnley in 2014-15, Sunderland in 201617, and Newcastle this season.

They’re the last seven sides who failed to win any of their opening 10 Premier League games, and apart from NUFC – yet! – the previous six of them were relegated.

Benitez will have to crack more than an Easter egg to stay up, as all round, it’s no yolk! CHRIS ROBINSON, Gosforth