DEPARTING NEWCASTLE BOSS Rafael Benitez has claimed that the club “did not share his vision” in a farewell message to supporters this morning.
The Spaniard left St James’ Park upon the expiration of his contract on 30 June, after guiding the Magpies to a 13th place finish in the Premier League last season.
Newcastle released an official statement last week which read: “We have worked hard to extend Rafa’s contract over a significant period of time.
“However, it has not been – and will not be – possible to reach an agreement with Rafa and his representatives.”
Benitez has finally broken his silence following his exit, insisting that creative differences between himself and the board led to his final decision.
“Thank you to everyone at the club who has helped the team and of course to the fine players who grew and fought with us and to the staff (one of the best I have ever shared time with),” he began.
“From winning the Championship to our two seasons in the Premier League, fans, staff and players have all been United. I wanted to stay, but I didn’t just want to sign an extended contract, I wanted to be part of a project.
“Unfortunately, it became increasingly clear to me that those at the top of the club did not share the same vision.
“I’m very sad about that, but I do not regret for one moment my decision to come to Tyneside and I’m very proud of what we achieved together.
“I will always have you in my heart. Best of luck for the future. C’mon Toons!’”
He announced this week’s ago. Also ye are reporting today that McTominnay has declared for Scotland. That was announced last week.
I downloaded the app for up to date news, not old news I’d already heard.
@Trev Gilmore: to be fair McTominay was not called up today. But yeah, the Carrick news is old
@Dave O Keeffe: *was only called up today
@Trev Gilmore: no, he didn’t. Jose did.
Underused by England and underrated by clueless fans. A top class midfielder.
@The Bloody Nine: Agree 100% (Liverpool fan here)
@Keith Synnott: me too.
A Rolls Royce of a player.
So long Michael………it was a pleasure to watch you.
@David Sinclair: only comes out for the weddings is it?!
If I recall correctly, in LVG’S first season, Carrick was out injured in the early part of the season and United were struggling by mid November. Carrick came back from injury to help steady the ship and I think they won 8 and drew 2 of the next 10 games. He would have been 32/33 back then but he was still able to show what a good player he was to help turn United’s fortunes around. He was always unappreciated by the (non United) fans and pundits in Ireland like Giles and Dunphy, particularly on Champions League nights, because he had taken the place, and the jersey, of Roy Keane. Very underrated player, still capable of doing a job if required before he retires at end of season.
@Sloop John G: Always liked Carrick as a player Sloop John, don’t support any club he played for but he was the ultimate pro, and he played in teams where box box and scoring midfielders took the plaudits, Carrick doh knitted it all together held up play left players get into position and played the pass, sounds easy but he made it look easy not a bad medal haul either, will be missed by many football fans.
His watch is nearly ended. He did a fantastic job for the club,no messing,just got on with the job.
And he just learned to pass the ball forward. A legend though with a nice family life
A fine player who hardly ever put in a poor performance, unappreciated because he was seen as Keane’s replacement which he wasn’t and could never be.
@Eamonn Ó Maoldomhnaigh: That’s a good one Eamonn, now why didn’t I think of that :-)