He handed him over £80m in incoming transfers.
However, the first-team squad was an utter disaster.
Did you realize that Coloccini, Colback, and Gabriel Obertan started the first match of that season?
2/18
Desperation is when Mike Ashley acts.
He hired the greatest manager Tyneside had seen since Sir Bobby.
Rafa was brought in as Ashley's fixer.
3/18
Promotion obviously was the #1 goal for Mike Ashley, so paying Rafa to stay was an easy decision.
4/18
But in achieving the bounce-back to the Premier League, Mike Ashley did something he didn't envision.
He appointed a man that sparked a fire in the hearts of supporters.
Rafa taught them to dream again.
5/18
On the one hand, Rafa Benitez was the greatest asset he could have; a world class manager like he could almost guarantee safety by himself.
6/18
He reminded the supporters that this club can be more.
He said things like Keegan and Robson; he saw the true potential of #NUFC, and *wasn't satisfied* with simply surviving.
7/18
Profit-earning, low-maintenance, security is what he wanted out of #NUFC.
Rafa wanted Europe, and potentially more.
8/18
Benitez wanted investment; he had to sell to buy.
Benitez wanted assurances; he did not have contact with Ashley.
And with #NUFC supporters, their loyalty to Rafa only grew stronger.
9/18
Ashley was never going to give Rafa the assurances he desired, and Benitez was all but forced to move on.
Support for a regime change was never stronger. The farce that is Mike Ashley was on full display.
10/18
Ayoze was sold for £30m. Rondon not offered a contract.
Steve Bruce was appointed first-team coach.
More anger at an irresponsible, inexcusable, underwhelming hire.
#NUFC
11/18
His next move had to generate temporary excitement. He had to do something to flip the supporters back onside.
We all saw it coming, too.
#NUFC
12/18
£40m for Joelinton (most of which came from the Ayoze sale), £20m for ASM, and a quick loan deal for Willems.
#NUFC
13/18
Investment* that should have been Rafa's.
Not true ambition; an act to snake Rafa, earn fans back, and potentially earn sell-on value while protecting his asset.
#NUFC
14/18
This is not Newcastle United Football Club.
Some supporters will fall in love with the idea of Joelinton scoring 20 goals, and ASM's spectacular skills.
A hope of ambition, Europe, FA Cup runs, and more.
15/18
Ashley was desperate, which forced his hand to appoint Rafa Benitez.
When Benitez became too strong, it was time for him to go.
Enter Yes-Man, and a quick injection of incoming transfers. Like McClaren before.
#NUFC
16/18
Because that's what this is to him.
Anyone that thinks Ashley has learned from his mistakes and this is different is kidding themselves.
He's a liar. He doesn't care about you or your dreams for #NUFC.
17/18
Rafa Benitez reminded us of what could be.
Mike Ashley exists to remind you it will never be.
Ashley's NUFC is rotting at the heart.
And Rafa showed us that it will never change until Ashley is gone forever.
#NUFC
18/18
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