It was the news that all Newcastle United fans had hoped and prayed for – Rafa Benitez confirmed he will stay on as manager at St James’ Park.
The magnitude of the announcement was enough to send Toon fans into delirium but it was the add-ons that have really had the Magpies fans singing Spanish tunes and reaching for the paella.
Rafa the Gaffer has been promised complete control of the club, transfers and the development of a new training facility – that is the blueprint of his vision to reinstate Newcastle among English football’s elite.
The news was greeted with sheer delight in NE55, with special Rafa promotions in restaurants and free beard trims for Spanish customers offered at one Geordie barbers.
This is part of a bigger picture for the club, and excitement of this sort has not been evident since the days of Sir Bobby Robson.
The appointment of the Spaniard may see key players stay on to help bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, and there will surely be plenty of big names attracted by the prospect of joining Rafa’s revolution.
Some early questions include that of who Benitez builds his team around? A lot of players have expressed their desire to stay under Rafa and help win promotion back to the top flight, with the manager stating in his press conference on Wednesday that he is under no pressure to sell any stars.
However, the likes of Moussa Sissoko and Andros Townsend are expected to be first out of the door, joined by Papiss Cisse, Tim Krul and Jonjo Shelvey – who Rafa hasn’t utilized since his arrival.
I’d like to see a team built around the likes of Karl Darlow, Jamaal Lascelles, Aleksandar Mitrovic and young Adam Armstrong – who had a great spell at Coventry last season. Combine that with commitment from Chancel Mbemba, Rob Elliott, Vurnon Anita and a few other first-teamers, and Benitez should be able to shape a team capable of bouncing back at the first attempt.
With the promise of a transfer war chest, there has already been plenty of speculation swirling around. Daniel Agger’s name has been suggested and he would be a welcome addition to lead from the back; sadly, Fabricio Coloccini’s days could, and should, be numbered, while Steven Taylor has never reached the heights many had hoped.
So exciting times lie ahead – with a couple of astute additions to deal with the rigours of Championship life, fans will be full of confidence that Newcastle will be back among the Premier League elite at the first time of asking.
The hard work starts now, preparing the club for the hard slog ahead to earn promotion.
But for the moment, at least, Tyneside can enjoy the summer and watch with interest as Benitez goes about the task of taking this great club back to where it belongs.
Buena Suerte Rafa!
