Benitez given little to cheer as Toon falter

RAFA BENITEZ received his traditional backing from the Toon Army – but it is the support of owner Mike Ashley which will be critical to the Spaniard’s future.

It might have been a low-key friendly against a side they left behind in the Championship, but it’s clear that unless Ashley splashes the cash Newcastle face a struggle back in the Premier League.

Maybe it will take 12 pints and some whisky chasers to twist Sports Direct maverick Ashley’s arm.

So get your drinking boots on, Rafa!

At least a week in Ireland should have given the Newcastle United boss some practice.

So far just £30million has been invested and at Deepdale against Alex Neil’s Preston there was little to cheer the 3,000-strong Newcastle following.

They fear that unless Benitez (above) can bring in the pedigree reinforcements he has been crying out for, then the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss will reach a tipping point.

He confessed: “We will have to see. I’m in contact with the board all the time. We still have time.”

It’s why the chants from the Newcastle end were dominated by Benitez’s name amid fears that he is becoming increasingly frustrated. Already a number of high-profile pundits have written the Geordies off with ex-Toon boss Graeme Souness stating: “I don’t believe this group of players will be good enough to survive in the Premier League.”

Watching on was former Sunderland manager David Moyes who knows all about the consequences of poor recruitment – relegation.

Benitez’s prime target is a top striker and even a goal with eight minutes on the clock from Serbia international Aleksandar Mitrovic, tapping in from close range after Chris Maxwell spilled a Paul Dummett effort to give Newcastle the lead, won’t change his opinion.

Preston equalised when the Premier League new boys failed to deal with a Greg Cunningham cross and Tom Barkhuizen volleyed past Robbie Elliot.

Benitez gave Javier Manquillo his debut with 15 minutes left with the former Sunderland man coming on in midfield.

Last season’s leading scorer Dwight Gayle side-footed straight at Maxwell with Benitez adding: “It wasn’t the best for us. Preston were sharper than we were.

“We are building a squad and if they want to stay in the Premier League we need desire from everyone.”

Plus, I would suggest, more signings.