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Au Revoir Premier League

16 May 2016

By Joseph

Expect the unexpected: that phrase rings true at Newcastle United. At the start of the season, the Geordie faithful had a renewed sense of optimism, with a new gaffer and over £80 million pumped into the squad; things were looking up for Newcastle United.

Now they’re going down.

I feel as though Newcastle were already as good as relegated towards the end of Mclaren’s reign, and whilst the appointment of Rafa Benitez – and the team’s subsequent run of good form – gave us hope, it only made relegation more painful.

To be condemned by Sunderland – whose supporters have roundly mocked United and even flew a banner over St James’ Park yesterday afternoon reading ‘Auf Wiedersehen Prem Tyne To Go’ to try and rub salt in the wound – is more painful still. But that’s all just banter, isn’t it?

Anyway, as I said before: expect the unexpected. Having already been relegated mid week following Sunderland’s victory over Everton, many would have expected Newcastle to wave the white flag of surrender when faced with 2nd-placed Tottenham. Yet Newcastle put in one humdinger of a performance by thrashing Spurs 5-1 and knocking them down to 3rd position. Newcastle fans have waited 37 games for a performance of this calibre; it’s just a shame it came too late.

Thanks to two braces from Wijnaldum and goals from Mitrovic – who later got himself sent off – Rolando Aarons and Daryl Janmatt, the Toon recorded what is surely their most impressive win of the season. A moment of glory in an otherwise bleak season, Newcastle’s loyal fans deserved something to cheer about, and for once the team delivered.

Rafa Benitez has brought about change at Newcastle United.
Rafa Benitez has brought about change at Newcastle United.

All eyes now are on the future of Rafa Benitez, who has the option to cut his ties with Newcastle as part of a relegation breakout clause. Worshipped upon his arrival and still touted as the only man to rebuild Newcastle and turn them into a team capable of the highest reaches in the English game. Newcastle simply must do all they can to hold on to Benitez. He’s already admitted to falling in love with Newcastle and when asked today what his heart is telling him, in terms of his future, he responded: “My heart is obviously telling me yes it is a fantastic opportunity, a fantastic atmosphere, everything is so good that my heart is very clear”.

If Benitez starts next season as Newcastle manager, relegation will seem like a small price to pay for a future full of promise. Even Mike Ashley has written an open letter to fans promising to change his ways, sort of like a little boy would write to his parents after being put on the naughty step. Although Ashley has held Newcastle back for long enough, the support of the fans behind them has never wavered.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ielEIzWUKzo

On that note, Newcastle bow out of the Premier league, and whilst we’ll miss the buzz of premiership football, this is not goodbye. Au revoir!

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