Rob Wildey speaks to James Selby, a Newcastle United fan, ahead of today’s FA Cup tie at St. Andrews.
WHAT’S YOUR OPINION OF RAFA BENITEZ?
World class. What more is there to say? The man has been there and done it on a European level and many thought he’d walk away the moment Newcastle were relegated. But he has shown that he is a stickler for a challenge and we’re reaping the rewards.
HOW DOES BENITEZ DIFFER TO PREVIOUS NEWCASTLE MANAGERS, NAMELY MCCLAREN AND PARDEW?
Tactically superior to both put together. The problem with Pardew was he talked a good game and believed his own hype. McClaren was out of his depth. Benitez is, if anything, too good for the Championship. The thing I like about him is that he understands we will lose games but concentrates on the reaction and bouncing back.
WOULD GOING UP AS RUNNERS-UP RATHER THAN CHAMPIONS BE A DISAPPOINTING?
To a point I suppose it would. However, the biggest thing was getting back into the Premier League by any means.
WHERE DOES THE FA CUP STAND IN NEWCASTLE’S ORDER OF PRIORITIES?
Second. Simply put, the league is our bread and butter. We haven’t win a cup in a very long time but we can accept it passing us by this season on the proviso we are promoted.
ARE NEWCASTLE EXPECTING TO THUMP BLUES AGAIN LIKE THEY DID IN DECEMBER?
No two games are the same and I’m sure Birmingham will be a different prospect at home and with a new manager.
WHICH NEWCASTLE PLAYER SHOULD BIRMINGHAM BE WARY OF?
Rafa has confirmed that Mitrovic will start and be can be a handful. Aggressive, talented and physical. If he can keep his temper in check, he’ll be a tough one to handle.
IF YOU COULD SIGN ONE BIRMINGHAM PLAYER FOR THE NEWCASTLE TEAM, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Tomasz Kuszczak is a quality goalkeeper. I’d pick him.
2-1 Toon!
WHO WILL WIN THE FA CUP THIS SEASON?
Liverpool.
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