Newcastle United have confirmed that manager Rafael Benitez will leave when his contract expires on 30 June.
The statement said: “We have worked hard to extend Rafa’s contract over a significant period of time.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
“However, it has not been - and will not be - possible to reach an agreement with Rafa and his representatives.”
The 59-year-old has been in charge at St James’ Park since March 2016 and led the Toon to a 13th-place finish in the Premier League last season.
Rafa gone
The Chronicle dedicates 12 pages to the Spaniard’s departure. The Newcastle-based newspaper reports that fans have been left “furious” following the club’s statement.
With its headline “Toon barmy”, the Daily Mirror says that Benitez was not told by the club that they wanted him out. Metro’s “Loony Toon” headline has a similar take on the situation.
The Times adds that Newcastle are “in disarray” and do not even have a shortlist for a new manager.
While the Daily Express says that fed-up fans are threatening a season-ticket boycott against club owner Mike Ashley.
-
Should you add your child to your credit card?The Explainer You can make them an authorized user on your account in order to help them build credit
-
Cracker Barrel crackup: How the culture wars are upending corporate brandingIn the Spotlight Is it 'woke' to leave nostalgia behind?
-
'It's hard to discern what it actually means'Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
How do new stadiums affect football clubs?In the Spotlight Everton's decision to move its men's team out of Goodison Park could be a catalyst for vital change, but there are cautionary tales too
-
Liverpool's Anfield redemption: how did they do it?Talking Point Arne Slot's blueprint and standout player performances guide the Reds to record 20th league title
-
Where are all the English football managers?Talking Point Eddie Howe's Carabao Cup success underlines absence of homegrown coaching talent in the Premier League
-
New Trafford: can it fix Manchester United's footballing problems?Talking Point Plan for £2 billion stadium despite staff job losses and lack of success on the pitch
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden bootfeature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
