last_monetarist

Apart from the fact that Pearson gave his son a chance at Leicester, Schmeichel is obviously biased against Rafa for his Liverpool past. You won't have heard a peep out of these jokers if we had appointed someone like Moyes or Redknapp.

The bubble of joy might have popped a little bit, Benitez mentioned that the manager/head coach decision will be taken in the summer if we stay up. Pretty categorical I think in acknowledging that there's no way he will manage in the Championship. Which is all fine really, but my concern is Ashley and the other jokers will probably muck him about on transfers even if we do stay up and he'll walk.

And Beardsley. Says he always viewed Newcastle as a massive club when he was at Liverpool.

http://i.imgur.com/uNyfYwr.gif

If both clubs pick up points over the next couple of months, reckon Palace and their fraud of a manager would be most susceptible to being dragged down, something that'll suit me just fine.

I reckon there's a reasonable chance they'll be moved on at the end of the season if we stay up. I'm sure they would if he see them not implementing what he wants on the training ground. Smith especially is vulnerable as Valero has been a key member of Benitez's staff for the past decade.

I'm pretty sure that if he manages to succeed at avoiding relegation, one of his main objectives next season will be winning either the league cup or the fa cup. He's solely focussing on the next 10 games, in fact only on the match at Leicester, as he should.

Mentioned in his interview that he received strong references relating to Cathro and Smith. Don't think Benitez would have kept them on if he hadn't. Although, I do think there is a justifiable element behind having local knowledge among the staff. Pecchia was brought in to his staff at Napoli because he wanted that local expertise. Similarly, I recall he had Sammy Lee as coach at Liverpool.

That is one seriously impressive interview. Clean slate and all that, even for Ashley. . . . . . Too far?

Is he currently available - might not be able to join at this stage. He was at Madrid with Rafa and left when Zidane was appointed. He's been part of Rafa's team everywhere they've been: Valencia, Liverpool, Inter, Napoli et al. Speculation in the Spanish press that he was going to come to Newcastle with the rest of the staff. So really strange he hasn't. Hope we stay up and he joins in the summer.

Peter Schmeichel is not seemingly happy with this appointment; suggesting earlier on twitter he would have preferred Pearson. Obviously it's not like Benitez had tumultuous run-ins with Manchester United in the past.

A bit concerned Xavi Valero hasn't come in as goalkeeping coach. Highly rated by the likes of Pepe Reina, whose form dropped appreciably after Valero left Liverpool.

I'd be gobsmacked if we are hammered by these on Monday. Think it's very likely they'll sneak it by the odd goal, but Benitez will make sure the team is organized enough not to be thrashed. Still hopeful for a draw though.

Wish this was being played tonight now. I won't be surprised to see Newcastle nick a point down there. Absolutely can't wait!

Given it 7, but feeling a lot more optimistic about it than I was this morning. All depends on how quickly Benitez gets these players to buy into his tactical instructions. My only concern is that his teams at Napoli and Madrid weren't quite so disciplined defensively as he is generally renowned for. It will be touch and go.

I found it hard to take football seriously after Keegan resigned second time around and that clown Kinnear was appointed in his stead. Surprised to feel the offshoot of something resembling hope this afternoon. Lain dormant far too long for comfort.