Spaniard takes over at St James’ Park
Newcastle United Football Club have announced the appointment of Rafa Benitez on a three-year deal.
The Magpies sacked Steve McClaren earlier today after a poor season under his guidance, and they’ve already announced his replacement with Benitez agreeing to a three-year deal.
Newcastle sit 19th in the Premier League and with just 10-games to go, they face a serious challenge to survive in the top-flight.
Despite penning a three-year contract at the club, Benitez can leave over the summer should Newcastle get relegated to the Championship.
As well as appointing Benitez, the club have also confirmed the appointment of Fabio Pecchia, Francisco de Míguel Moreno, Antonio Gómez Pérez, who will link up with Ian Cathro and Simon Smith to form Benitez’s coaching team.
Paul Simpson, Alessandro Schoenmaker and Steve Black will part company with the club with immediate effect.
After arriving at the club, Benitez spoke to the club’s official website and he revealed his pleasure at taking over at such a ‘legendary’ football club.
Statements
Benitez said: “I have the pleasure to confirm I have committed to a legendary English club, with the massive challenge of remaining part of the Premier League.
“It will be a challenge not just for me and my staff but for the players, the Club and the fans.
“All of us must push together in the same direction and with the same target in mind. This is the reason why I’m going to ask for your total support to successfully complete this task.
“Personally, it means my return to the Premier League, closer to my home and my family. I can’t be happier.
“C’mon Toon Army! The club and I need your total involvement!”
Managing Director Lee Charnley said: “I am very pleased to welcome Rafa Benitez to the club. In Rafa we have, without doubt, secured the services of one of Europe’s top managers.
“He has managed some of the most successful teams at the very highest level of the game and we are proud to now have him as our manager.
“Our sole focus now is to give our full support to Rafa, his coaching team and the players in order to secure our status in the Premier League.
“I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to Paul Simpson, Alessandro Schoenmaker and Steve Black for their service to the Club.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
