I actually hope Cathro stays, he was one of the SMc appointments that really excited me and I think he has suffered under SMc. He did very well in Spain (Valencia I think) and I think Rafa might actually want to keep him around. He could learn a hell of a lot from Rafa in my opinion. Still buzzing we've got Rafa mind....I just ****ing hope he keeps us up cos next season could be immense !!
I think the players really have to stand up now and be counted they have 10 games to prove they are good as they think they are. They now have a manager who has won La Liga twice with Valencia, who are the only team (bar Athletico's amazing season last year) other than Madrid or Barcelona to win the competition in 15 years, and several European Cups with various teams. No places to hide for them now. Need 10 performances starting with Monday night where I'd take a performance to signal change in attitude over a point t.b.h. but they all need to up their game now.
I agree..really pleased he stayed, 2 best signings last summer were Cathro and Mbemba for me ..(didnt word it very well ..whole new backroom staff plus cathro staying ..would have been better) Next 10 games are of immense importance to us. Stay up and I think Rafa will have kicked the ****e model into touch and we can press on like a proper football club
Still 9 points above us though, they'd have to be phenomenally **** to get relegated now...although their record of 2 points from the last 10 games is indeed phenomenally ****. Still can't see this as being anything other than 2 from us, Norwich & mackems, but with Swansea and Bournemouth getting their act together now, Palace are the only ones who may be involved. Anyway YAY GOT OUR FATTY. Hate Pearson, Rodgers is a doofus and Moyes is dull, this is the result I wanted! Actually right now I'd say he's far too good for us, let's stay up and build with the Fat One!!!
One of the biggest wins of the day is the back of Schoenemaker. That injury list was fcking ridiculous. Townsend after one game, ffs. I just cannot wait to see what happens. Can we all sign something to say we will not get on Rafa's back? Ever? Can we please be the fans JPF wants us all to be?!
Out of all the clubs dropping...Palace is particularly pleasing (We told you so with AP) but still way ahead of us... Likely to be a one out of 3 will be safe (villa long gone)
I think Norwich , Sunderland and Newcastle are all underachieving . Law of average says all will fight hard now and in the end will be amongst a team or two not mentioned ...
https://www.periscope.tv/w/1OdKrnewwbzKX He is not wasting any time ''Newcastle players had their day off cancelled on Friday ahead of Rafa Benitez’s appointment as their new boss. The players arrived earlier this afternoon at their Darsley Park HQ and have been out on the training pitch working with the Spaniard.''
Maybe I'm reading Rafa wrong but I think he always has a history of creating a solid structure and defence, do you guys think this is possible with the current players because of the closed window or does he have to go with a more attacking style than normal?
Good to see the useless backroom staff have gone. Coaches Paul Simpson, Alessandro Schoenmaker and Steve Black have all left the club. I am pleased we have kept Cathro and all I wish for now is the removal of Carr and Penfold ASAP.
