Rafael Benitez stays as Newcastle United manager - All Sport News

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Wednesday 25 May 2016

Rafael Benitez stays as Newcastle United manager

Rafael Benitez 
Rafael Benitez has become a fans' favourite at St James' Park


Rafael Benitez is staying as Newcastle United manager after signing a new three-year contract following their relegation from the Premier League.
The 56-year-old Spaniard was appointed in March following Steve McClaren's sacking but failed to keep the Magpies in the top flight.
He had a break clause in his contract if Newcastle were relegated and was widely expected to leave the club.
"The love I could feel from the fans was a big influence for me," he said.
Former Liverpool, Chelsea, and Real Madrid boss Benitez will have control over "all football-related matters" at the club, Newcastle said.
His predecessor McClaren was named as head coach last summer, working alongside chief scout Graham Carr.
Benitez's decision hinged on the amount of funds he is given to strengthen the squad.
"This is a huge club and I wanted to be part of the great future I can see for Newcastle United," added Benitez, who has also managed Valencia, Inter Milan and Napoli.
"The main thing for me is that I have assurances that we will have a strong team - a winning team."
Benitez, who was sacked by Real in January, took over with Newcastle one point adrift of safety.
Despite losing only three of his 10 matches in charge, the Magpies were relegated with one game of the season remaining as north-east rivals Sunderland survived.
Home supporters used their final match against Tottenham to try to convince Benitez to stay at St James' Park, singing and chanting his name throughout the home game.
 Rafa Benitez stays at Newcastle 
Over 25,000 fans also signed a petition in the Newcastle Chronicle newspaper asking Benitez to stay


Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley said the club was delighted to keep Benitez, who he described as a "world-class" manager.
"When we brought Rafa to the club in March, we knew he was a phenomenal manager and everything we have seen from him since has only served to reinforce that," he added.
"I believe with Rafa as manager it gives us the best possible chance of returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking and delivering success for this football club beyond that.
"It is clear that Rafa has connected deeply with the club's supporters and we do not underestimate the role they have played in his decision to stay.
"He has captured the hearts and minds not just of the fans, but of everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him at the club thus far."
Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer said earlier this month he would be "amazed" if Benitez stayed at St James' Park.
Shearer, who managed Newcastle briefly in 2009, told BBC Sport: "I'm sure he'll have loads and loads of offers, not only from the Premier League but from around the world."

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