Newcastle Sacks McClaren, hire Benitez

 Newcastle United have parted ways with coach Steve McClaren, after signing a three-year-deal with former Liverpool and Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez. The long managerial saga is almost over after Benitez agreed terms with the northern club and is in line to be in charge in time for Newcastle’s league visit to leaders Leicester.


The Newcastle board, led by managing director Lee Charnley, has had several meetings this week as they decided on the future of McClaren and the club. The top brass at St James’ Park are now con fident they have found a suitable replacement for McClaren in Benitez. Newcastle chiefs are hopeful that by acting now they can stop the terrifying decline that has left the club staring the Championship in the face.

The 3-1 home defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend was the third successive loss for the Magpies, but Newcastle are still just two points from safety with ten games left. Benitez has the calibre and track record to arrest the decline and get the best out of an under performing squad that is rated as one of the best in the second half of the Premier League table.