Freddy Shepherd certain of Newcastle's Premier League Future
Friday 6 May 2016 01:46, UK
Newcastle United’s former chairman Freddy Shepherd is confident the club will be in the Premier League next season
The Magpies will line up against already-relegated Aston Villa this weekend and Shepherd has high hopes for the side, who have now gone four games unbeaten in the English top tier for the first time since November 2014.
Shepherd, who was chairman of the club until 2009, said: "I'm still confident Newcastle can do it. I think we'll get the six points from the next two games and I think Sunderland and Norwich are going to go."
His confidence in the side no doubt comes as a result of their improved form since the appointment of Rafa Benitez as manager in March.
He said: "I think at the beginning there were a lot of problems where they couldn't get the team gelling , there was a lack of confidence.
"Fortunately for Newcastle Rafa's come in and done a great job. I mean he's given confidence back to the team."
And he also applauds Benitez for tackling the Toon's weaknesses in defence.
If Newcastle were to avoid relegation, as Shepherd predicts, having Benitez at the helm could help bring the glory days back to Tyneside.
Commenting on Benitez's future at the North East side, Shepherd was well aware that his success in turning Newcastle's fortunes around so swiftly makes Benitez a target for other clubs.
But he has faith in Newcastle to make Benitez an offer he can't refuse to ensure he remains at the club next season.
Shepherd said: "They're going to make him an offer that he can't resist simple as that.
"I know that's a bit blunt but that's as simple as that. With managers you've got to make them an offer that they can't refuse.
"And I think he'd love to stay personally. "
