Former Newcastle United winger David Ginola has suggested that relegation from the Premier League could be a good thing for the club.
The Magpies currently sit three points adrift of safety with eight games remaining of the season having seen new manager Rafael Benitez pick up just one point from his two games in charge so far.
A relegation six-pointer against Norwich City awaits Newcastle after the international break, but Ginola believes that the club would be better off if they were able to start from scratch in the Championship.
"I would like to see Newcastle stay in the Premier League, but on the other hand I think going down to the Championship could be good for the club. They need to go back to scratch, they need to start all over again," he told talkSPORT.
"For many years Newcastle has been in a situation like this and at some stage they need to realise that things need to be dealt with properly. They've brought in Rafael Benitez, but if they're relegated at the end of the season he will go. Who is going to be their next manager?
"So please Newcastle United, let's go down to the Championship! Let's start again, let's have a manager for the next five years, let's work on the academy and bring some talents from the academy into the first team. Forget about just trying to stay in the Premier League. If you do this, you're going to be stronger over the next five years."
Meanwhile, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has said that he will stay with the club even if they are relegated this season.
Barney Corkhill
