Former Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd has described Rafael Benitez’s squad as not being “fit for the Premier League”.

The North-East outfit were relegated to the Championship last season, but managed to climb their way back up under the guidance of the former Liverpool boss.

Not only did they secure automatic promotion - along with Brighton - they took the title after winning 29 of their 46 fixtures, winning 15 at home and 14 away.

Dwight Gayle ended the season as Newcastle’s top scorer with 23 under his belt, while Matt Ritchie also contributed with 16 in all competitions.

Despite only being out of the top flight for a season, Shepherd believes that Newcastle’s current squad is not good enough to compete.

He has suggested that taking on clubs who will splash the cash in the summer will make it difficult for the North-East outfit to have a positive campaign.

Shepherd told the Chronicle:

“You are competing against people with a bottomless pit where money is concerned. It’s very simple. Who does he buy in the summer? That team is not fit for the Premier League.”

Newcastle owner Mike Ashely recently stated publicly that Benitez will be given the money he wants to shape the squad for the upcoming campaign.

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