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Rafa Benitez has controversially resigned from his position as manager of Newcastle United, just weeks after agreeing to assist in the fight to return them to the top flight of English football after their relegation last season. Rafa Benitez became the odds-on favourite to become the manager after demolishing Tottenham Hotspur 5 - 1 in the final game of the season, a result that proved of little worth as Newcastle were confirmed in the bottom three at the end of the fixture.
Lee Charnley, the Managing Director of Newcastle United, came out this afternoon and issued the following statement:
"I understand that, for the fans, this is a difficult time. Rafa Benitez is close to our hearts as a manager of this club and, though he was only with us for a short time, he, like so many of our fans, fell in love with the club. We'd like to place on record our thanks for his effort in our relegation battle. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours. At this time, we will be making no comment on his reasons for resignation. I want to reassure the fans that all the work that the manager and his backroom team put into the signings for the upcoming season in the Sky Bet Championship will continue as we look to strengthen the squad and find a manager capable of leading the charge back to the top flight where Newcastle belongs."
Benitez Resigns Citing 'Personal Reasons'
Rafa Benitez has controversially resigned from his position as manager of Newcastle United, just weeks after agreeing to assist in the fight to return them to the top flight of English football after their relegation last season. Rafa Benitez became the odds-on favourite to become the manager after demolishing Tottenham Hotspur 5 - 1 in the final game of the season, a result that proved of little worth as Newcastle were confirmed in the bottom three at the end of the fixture.
Lee Charnley, the Managing Director of Newcastle United, came out this afternoon and issued the following statement:
"I understand that, for the fans, this is a difficult time. Rafa Benitez is close to our hearts as a manager of this club and, though he was only with us for a short time, he, like so many of our fans, fell in love with the club. We'd like to place on record our thanks for his effort in our relegation battle. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours. At this time, we will be making no comment on his reasons for resignation. I want to reassure the fans that all the work that the manager and his backroom team put into the signings for the upcoming season in the Sky Bet Championship will continue as we look to strengthen the squad and find a manager capable of leading the charge back to the top flight where Newcastle belongs."
Fans have been expressing concern on Twitter following various managerial links after the announcement. The favourite for the job is Remi Garde who left Aston Villa in March after failing to secure their top flight status. Other names rumoured have included Harry Redknapp, Patrick Vieira and former international star, Ian Caithness.
