Rafael Benitez asks fans hold fire on blame game

Rafael Benitez has pleaded with Newcastle’s disgruntled fans to leave the recriminations until the end of a dismal season as he attempts to drag the club out of a £100m relegation tailspin.

The Magpies entertain Swansea at St James’ Park today lying six points adrift of safety and knowing failure to hand Benitez the first win of his reign at the fifth attempt, coupled with victory for Norwich over derby rivals Sunderland, would leave them with one foot in the Sky Bet Championship.

However, with four of the club’s six remaining Barclays Premier League games taking place on Tyneside, the Spaniard is hoping the comforts of home could yet help to yield salvation.