“I’ve said before - great credit to Benitez for the job he did getting Newcastle up. It was every bit as good as the job Chris Hughton did the last time they got promoted from the Championship. To get the job done Benitez spent £102m and took 17 players to St James’ Park. Hughton didn’t. Now the Toon languish in the bottom three - having taken just one point from 27. I’ll say that again - one point from 27
“Benitez wants more money to correct the problem. Of course he does. I’m sure Alan Pardew does at West Brom. I’m sure Paul Clement does. I’m sure David Moyes, Eddie Howe and Roy Hodgson do. I’m sure Mark Hughes does. Will they get it? I don’t think so. No, I’m sorry Rafa, it’s a different game at the other end of the table isn’t it? The run Newcastle are on is NOTHING to do with Mike Ashley and EVERYTHING to do with what’s happening ON the pitch - or rather isn’t happening on the pitch. No Rafa, this one is down to you. Sean Dyche hasn’t had anything like £102m to spend at Burnley. In fact, last summer he traded at a profit - again. The Brits are obviously doing something right.”