To describe being a Newcastle fan as like riding a rollercoaster would probably be fair, with so many twists and turns and moments of elation and fear making the whole experience akin to climbing aboard the breakneck ride.
This season has been no different, with Rafa Benitez attempting to guide his team back up to the Premier League after their somewhat surprising relegation last term, and with goal difference keeping them atop the Championship, there is every chance they will bounce back, even if the pessimists are worried after the weekend loss to Fulham.
As is the norm, reports about goings-on behind the scenes at St James’ Park are plentiful and the Northern Echo have put an interesting one out regarding the futures of Vurnon Anita and Yoan Gouffran, who are both out of contract this summer.
They claim that Benitez is keen to hold onto the experienced duo, but only if the terms of fresh contracts are financially viable for the club.
Gouffran and Anita were both signed while the club was in the top tier, hinting that their salaries as things stand are not in line with the monetary realities of the Championship, which is likely to remain a concern even if the Magpies do hop back up the divisional ladder in a few months’ time.
The Frenchman has played a more significant role than most expected on Tyneside this term, netting five goals in 32 league outings, while the Dutch utility man has managed 21 Championship appearances.
Should Newcastle offer Gouffran a new contract?
