Newcastle United finally announced the departure of manager Rafael Benitez amid prolonged takeover talks. The Spaniard will leave Tyneside following the expiry of his contract at the end of this month, after helping the club survive in the English top flight for two back to back seasons.
“We have worked hard to extend Rafa’s contract over a significant period of time, However, it has not been – and will not be – possible to reach an agreement with Rafa and his representatives.” – said a Newcastle statement.
Benitez initially joined Newcastle back in 2015/16 season, when he replaced Steve McLaren, with the club one point from safety with ten games left. Although he failed to steer Magpies out of relegation that season, he guided them to promotion the following campaign. The ex-Liverpool manager played a key role in building a cohesive unit that managed to maintain their Premier League status for two consecutive seasons despite the off-field issues.
Essentially, Benitez quickly became a fan favourite at St. James’ Park and his departure will be a massive blow for the fans. So naturally, they took to Twitter to voice their disapproval over the decision.
https://twitter.com/MainlyOasis/status/1143122869083410433
Some fans are majorly concerned about the disappearance of the traditional route in modern football, pretty much like what’s happening in the Bundesliga right now.
https://twitter.com/Iamcharliefoxt2/status/1143125308507377664
MIKE ASHLEY YOU HAVE KILLED A CLUB, A CITY, THE FANS. RAFA WAS THE BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO THIS CLUB IN A LONG TIME AND YOUVE MESSED HIM ABOUT, LIED TO HIM, LIED TO US AND TOOK THE PISS FOR TO LONG. I WILL NOT BE GIVING YOU ANY MORE OF MY MONEY. ITS TIME FOR ACTION.
— Chris Whild (@whild13) June 24, 2019
“Disappointed” at a situation that’s been deliberately engineered?
“Disappointed” that the club’s utter lack of ambition has led to this?
“Disappointed” That failure to guarantee an excellent manager funds to move forward has led to this?
“Disappointed” Nowhere near as much as us— Ian Mearns MP for Gateshead (@IanMearnsMP) June 24, 2019
Time for memes and banters.
This club rn pic.twitter.com/pFBsUuzi1j
— Francis Marshall (@FMarshallNUFC) June 24, 2019
There's surely only one man for the job – and he's already had his hands on silverware at St James' Park this year!
Step up @Dobey10! pic.twitter.com/aqcwqwmxtU
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) June 24, 2019
https://twitter.com/UtdChe/status/1143120695314063360
So, are the Magpies really heading towards relegation next season?
— max (@mkillyy) June 24, 2019
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has been on the end of some valid criticism, of late and the departure of Benitez didn’t help his cause.
Mike Ashley is the worst owner in world football
He is embarrassing
How do you let this happen
— SCARFACE (@LFC_LION) June 24, 2019
Another fine mess pic.twitter.com/Q7NuZX0hBA
— Ketch (@ketchell) June 24, 2019
He's abused the loyalty of the fans, which I presume was his full Intention when he bought the club in the first place.
— Alan (@alanjewels) June 24, 2019
Some even cancelled the season tickets in response to Newcastle’s release of Benitez.
https://twitter.com/ChrisPi99027539/status/1143157637019815936
You bunch of radgies ! Cancel my 2 season tickets as of now !
— Steve Johnston (@Sjohnston7Steve) June 24, 2019
