Party time in Toon as Rafa gives fans a glimpse into a better future as long as he and Ashley work together

ST JAMES’ PARK erupted at the final whistle to remind the Premier League what to expect next season.

Manager Rafa Benitez waved at the fans, lapping up his first league win as a manager since his days at Valencia in 2004. In the directors’ box, owner Mike Ashley looked like he was loving it too. The sight of the two key men – one with the chequebook, the other with the coaching expertise – celebrating was a far cry from the scenes a year ago when Toon plummeted from the Premier League. Benitez and Ashley were due to meet last night for serious discussions about a summer war chest, assuming the Spanish coach is prepared to stay on.

As champagne sprayed and the Championship trophy was lifted, perhaps both Benitez and Ashley realised what can be achieved at this sleeping giant of a club if they can form a harmonious working relationship

Even Benitez, a man who won the Champions League in the most memorable of circumstances, said he was “emotional” after a dramatic finale to a dramatic season.

It took until the 90th minute of the last game of the season for Newcastle to leapfrog title rivals Brighton .

Sub Dwight Gayle had just netted his 23rd goal of the season and was jogging back for the re-start when there was another eruption of joy.

News spread of Aston Villa’s equaliser against Brighton, meaning the Football League trophy that United last won 90 years ago (when it was THE title) could be lifted.

Ayoze Perez opened the scoring with a brilliant flick, and Chancel Mbemba hammered home a second in front of a jubilant home crowd of 52,276.

There’s been plenty of rancour and turmoil on Tyneside in recent years but this was a special occasion.

Benitez admitted: “You know you can win with a good team. But playing 46 games in a tough league after going down, and then to do it in style .... well, I am emotional.

“I dedicate this trophy to the staff, the players, the families, and everyone involved.

“We came to the match with a smile, and hoped to go home with a bigger smile. We have. The fans made it emotional.

“It is difficult to say how it compares with the other trophies. You get older and you feel the emotion around the stadium and the city.

“When Aston Villa scored we could hear the fans. Then we had to wait — was the Brighton game finished? I heard from the stands when it had finished!”

The good news delivered, it was time for a party.

But Benitez, being a stickler for detail, had one final order for his players.

“I wanted everyone to get their picture with the trophy,” he said. “It is important for everyone to remember how difficult it is and how important this achievement is.”