Rob Wildey speaks to Michael Dodds, a Newcastle fan, ahead of Wednesday’s FA Cup third round replay at St. James’ Park.
WHAT’S YOUR OPINION OF RAFA BENITEZ?
I think that he is a great manager, although he has never been in the position of fighting relegation and fighting for a second tier league title before.
HOW DOES BENITEZ DIFFER TO PREVIOUS NEWCASTLE MANAGERS, NAMELY MCCLAREN AND PARDEW?
Steve McClaren couldn`t run a bath let alone a football club. Pardew was a decent manager for us, although at times you could tell that his heart wasn`t in it and he was waiting for the call to go to Crystal Palace.
WOULD GOING UP AS RUNNERS-UP RATHER THAN CHAMPIONS BE A DISAPPOINTING?
Extremely disappointing, yes, but at the end of the day, it would all be forgotten when the first ball is kicked next season and we are playing the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham & Manchester City rather than Burton Albion & Rotherham.
WHERE DOES THE FA CUP STAND IN NEWCASTLE’S ORDER OF PRIORITIES?
Getting back to the Premier League is the main objective although a little cup run could bring confidence to the lads coming through the ranks.
ARE NEWCASTLE EXPECTING TO THUMP BLUES AGAIN LIKE THEY DID IN DECEMBER?
It`ll be a tough game but I would expect Newcastle to beat Blues by two clear goals at St James` Park.
WHICH NEWCASTLE PLAYER SHOULD BIRMINGHAM BE WARY OF?
Dwight Gale (if he plays). He`s on fire at the moment. I think that he has proved he is a good Championship goal scorer but he still needs to do it at the highest level. Hopefully, he`ll get the chance to do that with us next season.
WHAT IS YOUR PREDICTION FOR THE GAME?
Newcastle will win in front of their own fans.
WHO WILL WIN THE FA CUP THIS SEASON?
Tottenham Hotspur.
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