ASHLEY: I WANT RAFA TO STAY

United owner backs Benitez in rare statement AND says he’s no pantomime villain

MIKE Ashley has made a rare public statement and made it clear he would like Rafa Benitez to stay on as manager.

The Toon tycoon (below) was not at St James’ Park yesterday but indicated he was pleased with the performance of the Magpies after they finished 10th in the Premier League.

Benitez stated he would like talks to begin immediately after the 3-0 win over Chelsea.

Ashley’s statement, released via the club, read: “I would like to thank Rafa Benitez for his magnificent achievement this season.

“I would also like to applaud the players, led fantastically by the captain Jamaal Lascelles.

“On many occasions throughout the season they have been described as a championship side, which I personally consider to be derogatory.

“Rafa, as always, has my full support and, contrary to some media reports which portray me as a pantomime villain, I will continue to ensure every penny generated by the club is available to him. I hope very much that Rafa will remain at Newcastle United.

“Finally, I would like to thank the fans for their unrivalled support of Rafa and the team throughout the season.”

Benitez had said after the game: “I still have one year left on my contract, so it is different.

“Now, we have to make sure we do the right things and are on the same page.

“The fans have ambitions and we have ambitions and we have to know if everybody has the same feelings too.

“The potential is there. It is easy to see what we have, now we need to do something more and be a little bit better.”