Rafa has got Ashley’s support but he would rather have money

RAFA BENITEZ knew it all along. And now owner Mike Ashley has seen for himself. Newcastle need quality — individual brilliance — if they are to be a competitive force in the Premier League.

But star quality does not come cheap and Ashley’s reluctance to dig deep into the coffers at St James’ Park has alienated him from the Geordie fans and left Benitez frustrated.

For the first time since May 2017, Ashley — the subject of a ceaseless tirade of abuse for 90 minutes on a cheerless afternoon in London — attended a Newcastle match.

‘He was here, that was positive,’ said Benitez. ‘He only wants to support the team. If the owner could be on the pitch and score two goals, that would be better!’

Point made. Ironically, the most clear cut chance of the match fell to Newcastle after just nine minutes but Ayoze Perez’s effort trickled tamely to Wayne Hennessey.