“As a group, we are deeply concerned with current events at NUFC. There are reports that the Manager is having his summer budget withheld as he has not committed to sign a contract extension.
“The Fans Forum fully supports Rafael Benitez in his right not to sign a new deal until he’s seen sufficient evidence to support his and the fans’ ambition.
“We also feel that the club’s board need to support him now more than ever to show him that they are ambitious and are willing to be a stable top ten club pushing for European qualification and for domestic Cup success.
“We’ve seen Season Ticket prices rise significantly, England’s most expensive replica shirts and little evident appetite to attempt to compete in the transfer market whilst clubs around and below us significantly invest. We sincerely hope the Manager gets the assurances he seeks and signs a long-term deal.”