'New blueprint' for Newcastle Utd as Rafa Benitez takes over

Adulation from the fans persuades manager to extend his stay as Mike Ashley gives him complete control

Rafa Benitez
(Image credit: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty)

Rafa Benitez started last season in charge of Real Madrid, but will kick off the coming campaign in the second tier of English football after agreeing to stay on as manager of relegated Newcastle United.

The 56-year-old Spaniard took temporary charge at St James' Park in March having lost his job at the Bernabeu. He was given ten games to keep struggling Newcastle in the Premier League, but was unable to steer them to safety.

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