FOWLER Rafa’s ruthless and obsessive .... and that is Toon’s best chance of survival

Our Anfield legend always hits the mark

matter what it took – and that was the approach he certainly believed in. Rafa (right) won’t let anything stand in his way, at Newcastle or any other club. With little investment and an owner who seems keen on reducing his financial input, that attitude is undoubtedly their best chance of surviving in the Premier League. Their only chance, probably. He will be ruthless in doing whatever is possible to keep them up. I remember when I came to the end of my contract under him at Liverpool, I was thinking I might get another year, because I’d done OK, wasn’t on mega money and had brought quite a bit to the squad.

He didn’t even bother taking me aside, just blurted straight out at the training ground, one day, there was no chance.

There is no room for sentiment in his world.

The same happened in the Champions League final against AC Milan.

He knew I was going and he knew what I’d given to the club over the years, but his only interest was what I could bring to that game in the here-and-now.

I can’t argue with that. Yes, I was devastated, but he picked the team he thought was best to get a result and he wouldn’t be swayed by anything else.

The same applies to Newcastle’s current situation.

It looks pretty clear to me that he was angry and frustrated by the lack of backing in the transfer window – and I am surprised he hasn’t gone already. I’d hazard a guess that decision may be down to the compensation he is rumoured to have to pay if he goes.

But look at what he’s done in the last three games, taking all the pressure off and probably piling it right back on Mike Ashley. That’s down to his attention to detail and management skills.

I still think he could go because, for all their improved form, Newcastle, with an under-strength squad, have a massive task keeping their head above water this season.

If a Premier League club comes in for him, they’d be happy to pay the sort of compensation being talked about, to get a manager who can turn clubs around with his skills and precise thinking.

That’s not to say he won’t do right by the fans up there – he clearly loves the relationship with them – but he won’t put up with broken promises or a lack of ambition.