MOMENTUM has given way to mistrust. Again.

Just like 12 months ago when Rafa Benitez waited for investment in his squad following promotion from the Championship, here he is again, with similar concerns.

There was huge satisfaction at the end of last season. A comfortable 3-0 win over Chelsea at St James’ Park capped a solid enough campaign which saw the Magpies end up tenth.

That’s an impressive achievement for a newly-promoted side, which had not had much money spent on it during the pre-season building up to life back in the top tier of the English game.

This summer has shaped up to be exactly the same. There have been a few new arrivals, just nowhere near the standard and numbers that had been wanted to give Newcastle a real kick to try to improve on last season’s finish.

As Benitez stood at the local schools’ 1892 Cup at the club’s academy 12 months ago, he spoke about how he had worked hard to bring the community closer together.

A bit of momentum was lost in the remaining weeks of that transfer window after that because of a lack of activity in the market. As the new season approaches in 2018, there is even more mistrust than before.

Few fans can understand why Benitez has not been given the backing his performance as Newcastle manager has deserved.

Perhaps that is why Mike Ashley is reluctant to splash the cash this summer too, even though Benitez has proven what can be achieved under his watch without major investment.

Just imagine the possibilities if the Spaniard had the sort of financial arm in the market to give the Newcastle squad the lift his managerial ability deserves. He might have made mistakes on that front before, but overall he has shown he has the tactical acumen to be a long-term success.

As things stand it does feel like Benitez has entered the final chapter of his reign at St James’ Park. He has got ten months left on his contract and has no intention of committing to a new five-year deal while he does not feel his ambitions are shared.

He would, he says, like to stay, for five or even ten more years.

The only way that will happen is if Ashley changes his ways. The sportswear tycoon is still looking to sell Newcastle, so suddenly approaching things differently seems an unlikely prospect and that does not suit his manager.

Benitez will still be able to do what he specialises in.

He can make sure his team is organised and can ensure his players maintain a fine team spirit, so positive results can still be delivered.

For Newcastle to grow, investment is required in the infrastructure of the club as well as on the playing field.

Benitez, speaking ahead of next week’s visit of Tottenham Hotspur to open the new campaign, said: “There is a way to do things and we have to be sure that we do that.

“Do things in the way that for me, as a football professional who has been years there, is the right way.

“If you want to sign an extension and a lot of years, the main thing and the first one has to be the academy for example.

“Then all these things, you have everything in place – I am really pleased with the fans, the city, the atmosphere at the games, the staff are professionals, everyone.

“We have all the potential to grow and to be a top side, a proper top side.”

But he can’t seem to convince Ashley that?