MX23RW : Friday, November 8 06:21:29| >> :120:32306:32306:

Rafael Benitez takes on Newcastle United after Steve McClaren exit

Newcastle United confirm the appointment of Rafael Benitez as their new manager just hours after the dismissal of Steve McClaren on Tyneside.

Newcastle United have confirmed the appointment of former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez as their new manager just hours after the sacking of Steve McClaren.

It was announced this morning that McClaren had lost his job having won only seven of his 32 matches with the club this season since taking over last summer.

Benitez, whose last post was with 10-time European champions Real Madrid, comes in with the Magpies 19th in the Premier League and fighting for their survival with only 10 games of the season remaining.

"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," Benitez, who has signed a three-year contract, told the club website.

"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!"

Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley was delighted with the appointment of Benitez.

He added: "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."

Benitez's contract reportedly includes an opt-out clause should he fail to keep the Magpies in the top flight.

ID:268320: cacheID:268320:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2722:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez pictured in November 2015
Read Next:
Howey: 'Benitez could be fan favourite'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Bengals
@
Ravens
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!