Regardless of suspicions that no top level manager would agree to work for Mike Ashley, Rafa Benitez has already expressed a desire to talk about the Newcastle job. Two years ago, with Pardew under the start of the pressure that has built since, Benitez was approached by reporters asking whether he might be interested. Interestingly, Benitez answered that though there was no vacancy, he would willingly talk about it if it came up. And this is from a Champions League experienced manager who could have his pick of several top level jobs. It is simply not true that managers would baulk at the chance to work under Ashley - most are arrogant creatures who believe their ability will prevail in the face of even the most ridiculous adversity. Why else would anyone work under Ken Bates or Vincent Tan? And Benitez has been in this situation before; he willingly walked into Chelsea, where the fans hated him and the owner stifled him, and he succeeded. Imagine what he could do at Newcastle.
