Ash sees Rafa as collateral damage

MIKE ASHLEY once more faces the fury of the Toon Army – but is this his last big battle with the frustrated Geordie fans?

Ashley’s failure to back manager Rafa Benitez (right) with adequate funds may spark the sort of fans’ rebellion that almost drove the Toon owner out in 2008 following Kevin Keegan’s exit.

Without a dramatic change in transfer policy, Ashley (right) will eventually see his manager depart. But, given the growing hostility, it’s difficult to imagine that Ashley plans to hang around too long himself.

The Chinese whispers about a Toon takeover may have subsided. But Ashley would sell tomorrow if he was offered £500million – almost double the cost of his wretched decade at Newcastle.

Many Toon-watchers believe his frugality this summer stems from a desire to make Newcastle more desirable to prospective buyers. If so, it’s a policy fraught with danger.

In the crazy world of Newcastle United only the strips and scarves are black and white. Behind the scenes a complex power battle rages. Ashley may win round one, but don’t underestimate the wily Benitez’s ability to go the distance.

He can simply sit tight on his £4.5m-a-year salary until he gets another job offer or the sack.

The smart money’s on Rafa leaving – with London a possible destination. But don’t be surprised if he sits tight until after the January window.

Ashley’s admission on Sky Sports that Benitez’s budget is “not enough” simply confirms the fans’ worst fears.

Very different from his “every last penny” pledge in May.