Newcastle fans aren’t getting carried away despite their amazing form, after former Netherlands international Mario Melchiot said the Magpies can achieve big things under Rafael Benitez.

You’d be hard pushed to find a set of fans more infuriated by their ownership than Newcastle supporters, who have been pleading for years for owner Mike Ashley to leave the club.

Ashley bought the Magpies back in 2007, and fans have grown tired of his smug demeanour and downright refusal to spend any real money improving the squad.

The arrival of Rafa Benitez felt like a blessing to the Toon Army, and their incredible run in the last month or so has proven why they love the Spaniard so much.

Having upset Manchester United back in February, Benitez’s side have now won three games on the bounce, and Melchiot thinks it can be the start of something special on Tyneside.

“Newcastle is a club that belongs in the Premier League. They have some of the best fans in the country and the prestige of the club is up there with the best, but they have had difficult times in recent years, both on and off the field,” the 41 year-old wrote on his website.

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“That’s why Rafa Benitez’ work this season has been so brilliant.

“But there is still a lot of work to do at Newcastle before they reach the success that they experienced in the 90’s. And holding onto Rafa will be a key part of that.

“He has been loyal so far, but unless the board give him more funding and more ambitious plans for growing the club’s position, Rafa won’t stick around for long.”

Newcastle fans would love to believe they can get back amongst the elite under Rafa, but they’re all saying the same thing about Melchiot’s comments – it will never happen with Ashley in charge.

Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…