Danny Murphy has urged Newcastle fans to wait for the facts to emerge before blasting the club over the imminent departure of Rafael Benitez.
The Spaniard will leave the Magpies when his contract expires at the end of June as he failed to agree a new contract with the club.
Reports suggest the 59-year-old, hugely popular on Tyneside, was offered a one-year extension worth £6million-a-year, but refused with owner Mike Ashley unwilling to change the club’s infrastructure.
But Murphy insists there might be other factors at play.
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He told talkSPORT: “This is where Newcastle fans need to be a little bit open-minded: is it him that’s saying, ‘You’ve offered me a contract, but I’ve got something better’?
“You never know the dynamic of a manger’s family life.
“Let’s not jump the gun and say it’s Newcastle’s fault for not giving him enough money. They might’ve offered him a transfer budget and a good wage.
Telegraph reporter Luke Edwards gives his insight into Rafa Benitez's exit from Newcastle
“If it is Newcastle just being tight, then they deserve a kick up the you-know-what, because he’s a very trustworthy manager who’s going to make them better with a bit of investment.
“But until the facts are out, it’s hard to hypothesise and say it’s Newcastle not being ambitious.
“I think there could be some ulterior reasons why he’s left… if there’s a better offer, which is highly likely, or there’s family reasons.”
Early favourites to succeed Benitez include Garry Monk, who recently left Birmingham, Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe, and Mikel Arteta, the Manchester City coach.
Manager Rafa Benitez will leave Newcastle when his contract expires at the end of June
And while the club’s supporters may not be feeling too optimistic about the future, Murphy suggests life after Benitez might not be all doom and gloom.
“They’ve got a decent squad,” he added.
“Does it need some investment? Yes. Is a new manager capable of having a successful time? Yes. There’s loads of good coaches and managers.
“Rafa has left that Newcastle squad in a reasonably healthy condition. Someone could go there and carry on his good work.”