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Rafa Benitez is having the same impact as Sir Bobby – Shola Ameobi

Shola Ameobi is hoping that Rafa Benitez can have the same impact on Newcastle United as the much missed Sir Bobby Robson
A club on its knees, saved by a man who breathes and lives football – it could quite easily describe the work of Rafa Benitez over the last 18 months.
From relegation to Championship success and with a rocking St James’ Park full to the brim every home game: it was a memorable first full year under Benitez.
For club legend Shola Ameobi, now at Notts County, he can see the similarities between Benitez’s impact on the Magpies and how Sir Bobby Robson came to rescue the club from relegation back in September 1999.
“Obviously last season was so exciting, the fact that Newcastle won the league was so fantastic,” Ameobi said
“We always felt that they would go up, but to go up as champions is even better. When we went down and then came back up as champions was special, so it will have been for those lads too. Having a man like Rafa at the helm – having met him and see how he works, too – he’s just a master at work.
“It is great that the club have Rafa, that he stayed after relegation and promotion, and hopefully he can build something here.
“You get the sense that he is doing something the likes of Sir Bobby did when he was here. Even from the short time that I’ve been coming up and working with the Academy lads, I can see the culture he is trying to set in place.
“It marries up quite well with how it was under Sir Bobby Robson. We have a top manager at the moment so let’s hope we can give him what he needs to be able to bring success here. “I think we will, and I think we’ll do well in the future as long as he gets the backing he needs.”
Benitez has an honours list longer than most: a La Liga title, the Champions League and Europa League are on his CV.
His success commands respect from everyone in the game and Ameobi believes the players now under his guidance at Newcastle United will be reaping the benefits of having a manager with such experience.
“As a player, you know when a manager is special by the aura they have,” the 36-year-old told Chronicle Live at the Newcastle United Foundation Dinner back in November.
“It’s a great feeling as a player, knowing that your manager is doing his very best for you and helping you succeed both on and off the pitch.

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