Ayoze Perez, linked with a move away from Newcastle this summer, has urged Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley to show more ambition and “play for something bigger”.
His comments echo what fans have been saying for years now, but hopefully his words will have more effect.
The Spaniard told the Chronicle: “You’ve got the most difficult thing you can have as a club – to have this support home and away.
“The way people see football in this city is something you cannot control. It’s something every club doesn’t have.
“It’s the most difficult thing, and we should look after that and take advantage of that to play for something bigger.”
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
He is right, of course, and it is a lack of ambition that may see the divisive Perez leave the club in the near future.
As with so many things at St James’ Park, his plans are likely to be influenced by what happens with his compatriot, Rafa Benitez.
If Rafa goes, players may follow
Such is the depth of feeling towards the manager, and the magnificent job he has done, should he leave, then an exodus of players may want to follow him out.
Perez has had another fantastic end to the season, and despite often being criticised by fans, he has played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s survival on both of the last two campaigns.
But Perez will want to experience success, as most players do, and to do that at Newcastle will take significant investment in the squad – something the Tenerife native is quick to acknowledge has not been the case.
He added: “It’s also been another great end to the season for myself, and for the team, but as well we cannot ignore the fact that we’re not spending so much money in our team and we’re still fighting.”
The football club need to listen to his, and the fans’ concerns, and the best way to do that is to make sure Rafa stays at the club and is given a decent budget to take the club forward.