Posted on: 05:37 Sat, 12 Mar 2016



Newcastle United have announced Rafael
Benitez as their new manager following
the sacking of Steve McClaren.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid coach takes over at St James’ park with the Magpies stuck in the relegation dogfight.

Benitez, 55, has signed a three-year contract and will hope to reenact the magic that saw him win the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 and the Europa League with Chelsea in 2013.

“C’mon Toon Army. The club and I need your total involvement,” he 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,” continues Benitez, who was fired after seven months at Real Madrid “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.”

Managing director Lee Charnley said: “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.”

Former coach McClaren was fired earlier
today after a disappointing nine months on the job that saw the Toons stuck on 19th place on the log.