Alan Shearer speaks about the Rafa Benitez decision to stay at Newcastle United
Alan Shearer has reacted to the news of Rafa Benitez confirming he will stay at St James Park.
The Newcastle legend says he is a ‘little surprised’ at the decision but thinks ‘it’s brilliant for Newcastle’.
It has been a long 10 days for Alan Shearer and all other Newcastle fans and just like Rafa himself when announcing his decision, the former Newcastle striker says that the supporters played their part by making it clear what they wanted.
There were some amusing remarks from Sunderland fans on discovering it would be Rafa Benitez and not a Neil Warnock type figure taking the job.
After suffering the likes of John Carver and Steve McClaren who were way out of their depth in the Premier League, no wonder Alan Shearer describes it as ‘a coup’ to now have a person of Rafa Benitez’ calibre managing in the second tier.
Alan Shearer speaking on Radio 5 Live:
“Delighted for Newcastle to attract a manager of his calibre.
“It is a coup, definitely.
“It is a tough league, the Championship, and hopefully he can get Newcastle back into the Premier League within one season, at the first attempt.
“That is the aim and it wasn’t quite to be at the end of last season.
“The fans told Rafa Benitez what they thought of him and wanted him stay and he has done that.
“I am a little surprised I have to say but it’s brilliant for Newcastle.”
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