Mike Ashley doesnt want to sell Newcastle United and seems to want to upset Geordies, Magpies legend Rob Lee tells talkSPORT

Mike Ashley doesnt want to sell Newcastle United and seems to want to upset Geordies, Magpies legend Rob Lee tells talkSPORT
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley will face a supporter backlash like no other if he pushes manager Rafael Benitez out of the club.Thats according to Magpies legend Rob Lee, who joined talkSPORT on Tuesday to discuss the latest on Benitez’s future in the St James Park hotseat.Benitez is adored by the Toon Army for his miraculous work over three years on Tyneside; he got the club back into the Premier League and beat the odds to keep them there with one of the most meagre budgets in the top flight.3

Rafa Benitez has worked wonders with limited resources at Newcastle

However, there is a currently a shadow of uncertainty over the club regarding the Spaniards future with no progress on an extension to his contract, which is due to expire at the end of the season.Latest reports claim Ashley has made a written offer to the Champions League-winning coach to stay at the club, but it is understood official talks will not start until Newcastle are guaranteed safety from relegation.The Magpies appear more or less safe at the moment in 12th place, seven points clear from the bottom three with seven games remaining.

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However, Benitez has been linked with other jobs around Europe and, without a promise of cash to fund a squad overhaul, few would begrudge him leaving this summer.The finger of blame for Benitez’s exit will instead point at Ashley, and fan favourite Lee has warned the owner what he will face if his stinginess forces the popular manager to end his spell with the Toon.3

Newcastle fans are desperate for Mike Ashley to sell their beloved club

Speaking to talkSPORT host Jim White on Tuesday, the former midfielder said: I met Mike Ashley once with Alan Shearer many, many years ago. He was OK he just seems to take one step forward and two massive giant steps back.He seems to want to upset the Geordies.You think hes doing alright, then he comes out with that statement at the end of the season a few years ago We are going to invest money, we are going do this and that, every penny we generate well give back to the manager…, but he never does it.He never does what he says.3

Meanwhile, those same fans are desperate to keep hold of manager Rafa Benitez

You said a little while ago that he will be there [at Newcastle] until the end of the season, but he will be there longer than that.He wont sell.I dont think he wants to sell. He doesnt put much money into the club and if he loses Rafa were in serious trouble. I genuinely believe that.The fans are fantastic. Considering what theyve been through on and off the pitch over the last few years, theyre still behind the manager and the team.The fans will always support their club, but if he [Ashley] loses Rafa Benitez I think it will be a different ball game, I really do.

He wont sell, he doesnt want to.He never does what he says, I think hell be there longer than end of the season.If he loses Rafa Benitez then were in serious trouble, I believe that. Rob Lee on Mike Ashley at #NUFC pic.twitter.com/dHovhB2OU7— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) March 19, 2019

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