BREAKING NEWS: Newcastle appoint Rafa Benitez as Steve McClaren successor

Former Toon coach McClaren was unable to overturn the Tyneside club’s domestic fortunes this year, despite splashing a huge amount on new arrivals in the January transfer window, with the likes of Andros Townsend and Jonjo Shelvey coming in from Tottenham and Swansea City respectively.

The Magpies are sitting a single point from safety and are 5/4 with Coral to avoid a daunting drop down divisions this season, for what would be the second time since 2009.

Benitez has a tough task ahead of him, after the club’s hapless run of three consecutive Premier League defeats and just a single domestic victory in six outings, and his first game in charge will be against table toppers Leicester City, which they are 5/1 to earn three points from.

Speaking of his appointment, 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.

“Come on Toon Army! The club and I need your total involvement!”

To avoid a second drop to the Championship in seven seasons, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is putting all his chips on new boss Benitez, in a move which could either turn out to be a masterstroke or a futile Toon tragedy.

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