He nearly did the impossible. Again. A comeback that would have overshadowed Liverpool's fabled moment in Istanbul. A comeback only Lazarus could beat. But Rafa Benitez fell at the last hurdle.
It looked impossible from the offset - but a run of five games unbeaten brought the Toon Army to within a whisker, before their old boss Big Sam took it away - and with the enemy no less.
In such moments, and in a climate like today - fans usually want their manager's head on a stake. All they care about is results and the fact that they face a season in the Championship.
Not Newcastle fans.
Newcastle fans are different. They are optimistic. But only if Rafa stays. Which is why they've made an impassioned plea to the Spaniard to stay on Tyneside.
From forum messages, to newspaper ads - Newcastle fans are trying to get Benitez and the board to here them. Do what you can to keep him.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss signed a three-year-deal when he took over - but there was a clause that Benitez could walk away if he failed to keep them up. Will he now go through with that clause, or has he enjoyed his time in Newcastle, connecting with the fans enough to persuade him to stay?
The board have already opened preliminary talks with Benitez about his future, but nothing will come out of it until after the final game of the season this weekend.
Friday's @eveningchron front page: Dear Rafa... #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/AeOf997Tk0
— Paul Cunningham (@cunninghampaul) May 12, 2016
The full statement from Newcastle fans:
Message to Rafa Benitez — whilst we fully accept he short term prospect of life in the Championship may not be as appealing as other offers that you may be presented with, we can certainly promise you that the potential rewards of the longer term would exceed any position that you consider.
The reason for this statement is to make it perfectly clear that we want every possible resource thrown at an attempt to retain the services of our current manager. Rafa Benitez has demonstrated his ability to connect with the fans. Whilst we accept that to retain the services of Rafa will come ‘at a price’, we urge you to look ahead to the longer term benefit of Newcastle United.
Installing Rafa as manager will have shown you the lift that it gave to our club, albeit maybe too late.
It is imperative that you act swiftly. We need actions not words — a PR feelgood statement is not want the fans want to see. We need you to demonstrate your business acumen and your intent to not let this one slip away.
[Irish Examiner]
