Gaffer has unified team, says Hayden

ISAAC Hayden has praised Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez for unifying the club and leading the Magpies to the brink of a Premier League return.

Newcastle can guarantee promotion tonight should they beat Preston at St James’ Park.

They would become just the second club in five years to bounce straight back to the top flight automatically.

Benitez completely reformed the squad last summer ahead of United’s season in the Championship, offloading more than 20 relegated players and signing 12.

“You’ve seen the other teams that have been relegated and where they are now,” Hayden said when asked how difficult it was for Benitez to build a team over the course of a summer.

“So it’s not just about buying players, it’s about players gelling.

“Even that doesn’t guarantee anything, so you’ve got to give the manager here a lot of credit.

“He has developed a team that is doing well in this division.

“To have 85 points at this stage of the season is very good. Obviously I wasn’t here last season, but since I arrived, it has been nothing short of a great time.

“The manager has unified everyone, on and off the pitch.

“That’s along with the fans and the support staff, everyone has unified and we have produced a fantastic season so far because of that.

“But these three games will define our season, and we have to make sure we take this opportunity.”

Hayden achieved promotion via the play-offs with Hull City last summer following a season-long loan from Arsenal.

Despite Premier League offers, Hayden opted to sign for Newcastle – and the defensive-midfielder credits Benitez with helping him to develop every aspect of his game. “For me, personally, he has improved me as a player,” Hayden added. “Would I be the same player if I wasn’t here? I don’t think so.”