Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett has claimed that last season’s relegation has been a good thing for the club, according to The Daily Star.
Dummett has described Newcastle’s relegation as a “blessing in disguise” because it has helped them turn things around and shift a losing mentality.
The left back has been a mainstay in Rafa Benitez’s side this season and has turned in some consistent performances for the Magpies despite having his critics.
Newcastle suffered a disappointing relegation from the Premier League in 2015/16 but they look set to bounce straight back at the first time of asking.
Under the guidance of experienced Spaniard Rafa Benitez, Newcastle United currently sit second in the league table ahead of the Good Friday round of fixtures, knowing that they are potentially just two wins away from clinching promotion.
Dummett has been relieved to be winning so many games and he said:
“Looking at it one way, relegation could have been a blessing in disguise because I suppose it has helped turn things around.
“Hopefully, we can be on the up now.
“Obviously, it was disappointing to be relegated and as a Newcastle fan, it felt even worse.
“My first few seasons here were really tough because we were not doing well and it was quite negative so to have a year in the Championship after all that can maybe do us no harm really.
“Being part of a winning team is totally different and to have that good vibe around the place is really positive.
“The feeling around the club, the city, everywhere is much better.”