Newcastle United’s odds of winning the Championship continue to shorten as fan enthusiasm grows in anticipation of a strong and exciting season.
Hopes of another single-season return to the Premier League are high, with the bookmakers offering Benitez’s side the single shortest prices ever in the Championship’s history.
Whilst Benitez couldn’t rescue the season that was, the season that could be is very exciting. Considering Newcastle had taken 16 points from the last 10 games of the season, a little maths would suggest that over a full fixture list, a healthy points total could have been possible, seeing them into the top half of the table.
The final run-in results over Tottenham (5-1) and holding Liverpool and Manchester City to draws shows the strength they are bringing to the Championship challenge under the highly fan-approved Benitez.
A price of 5/1 only 2 weeks ago was a good price, but valued in the uncertainty of Benitez’s tenure. With things looking certain for the foreseeable future, it appears the entire Toon Army has took a piece of the action, causing the price to crash into 7/4 in places.
Act fast! Take Newcastle to WIN the Championship at 15/8 with Ladbrokes.
Matt Ritchie to replace Andros Townsend
Ritchie has been criticised for leaving the Premier League’s Bournemouth for another Championship challenge; after all, the idea is to play at the highest level possible.
However, Ritchie’s reply to the doubters shows his honest belief in his career move.
“If you look at the size of the football club it’s certainly not a backward step.
“The potential of this football club, the manager, the dressing room and the squad we have makes me feel sure it will be exciting times.
Maybe it’s the Benitez effect that has swept over him and sealed his fate, but the feelings mutual.
Benitez said of the move, “We have signed an exciting winger who has experience in the Championship but has also proved that he can step up to the top level. I am delighted that he is now part of our squad.”
With that in mind, can Ritchie make the difference, bringing his Championship escape skills to yet another team? Let us know your thoughts.
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