Benitez backs unity plea

Rafael Benitez, the Newcastle coach, has put his name to a statement praising the club’s “good business” in the transfer market and calling for unity ahead of the new season.

After a tempestuous summer during which Benitez expressed disillusionment with the speed of transfer activity – and the players were in dispute with the board over bonus payments – steps have been taken to quell fan unrest.

A statement signed by Benitez, managing director Lee Charnley and captain Jamaal Lascelles came as supporters plan protests against owner Mike Ashley during the Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park today.

“Doing good business in a transfer window is about ending the window clearly stronger than when you started and we believe we have done this,” read the statement. “The view we all share is that we have a better squad now than the one that finished 10th last season. We are all excited about the seven players who have joined us this summer.”

The statement goes on to counter criticism that the Newcastle squad was built on Championship rather than Premier League quality.

“Given our finishing position last season, we already had a team of players who were more than capable of performing well in the Premier League,” it read.

“They have shown heart, guts and determination and the inference that they are ‘Championship’ players and not good enough is unfair and untrue. Now, it’s about all of us pulling in the same direction, for the good of the club. The focus should be on unity and getting behind the efforts on the pitch.”