As reported by The Newcastle Chronicle, Rafa Benitez has reaffirmed his commitment to Newcastle United after speculation he was unhappy at the club.

What's the story?

Recent reports suggested that Newcastle were headed for a crisis this summer with the Magpies boss seeking assurances about the club's intentions to back him in the transfer market.

Benitez though has delivered an unequivocal message to supporters when asked about his future. He's staying.

Quoted by The Chronicle, Benitez said:

I will not quit. I will not leave. It’s so simple, so clear. I focus on the next game, rest of season and to get promoted. We can’t blame each other now.

It's news every Newcastle fan will want to hear. Benitez has steadied the ship at St James' Park and has guided the club to an automatic promotion position.

There's a tough fight ahead if they're to make it back to the Premier League, with teams breathing down their neck to overtake them, and everyone needs to be pulling in the same direction if they're to achieve their ambitions.

The man to take them forward

Benitez has a 58% win record at Newcastle which is his third highest win percentage at a club in his entire career, with only spells at Real Madrid and Chelsea beating that.

He's getting the job done and while it's true Newcastle have a bigger budget and better players than most teams in the Championship, it's clear he gets what it means to be a Magpies manager.

It's expected Newcastle return to the Premier League and when that happens they need stability to consolidate next season. The North East club have had a far too high rotation in managerial talent over the last decade and there aren't many managers about with the experience and pedigree of Benitez.

If it means investing in the transfer window then that's what the club should do. The Spaniard deserves to be backed. It can only be a benefit to Newcastle if he's happy as it means he's likely taking the club forward.

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