Richard Keys has claimed that Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez rather than owner Mike Ashley is responsible for the clubs current slump.
The Magpies have been on a poor run of form recently and are just three points above the relegation zone after losing eight out of their last nine League games.
Despite the clubs bad fortunes of late, most of the clubs fans continue to support Benitez who led the club to promotion last season and believe that the clubs current situation is due to Ashley.
Keys however believes that Benitez is being given an easy ride and deserves more scrutiny.
He said, “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 (in 2010).
“Now the Toonlanguish in the bottom 3 – 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 (at Swansea). I’m sure David Moyes (West Ham), Eddie Howe (Bournemouth) and Roy Hodgson (Crystal Palace) do. I sure Mark Hughes does (at Stoke). 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.”
