Benitez Appointment Would Signal Reunion with THIS Newcastle Player

Posted on March 10, 2016 by Harry Savill (Editor) in Manager // 1 Comment

Former Real Madrid manager, Rafael Benitez, is on the verge of being unveiled as Newcastle United manager.

It was expected that the former England coach would be dismissed earlier in the week, and with the absence of an announcement from the club, many fans had begun to speculate/fear that the club had perhaps changed their mind about McClaren.

But with reports now beginning to come in regarding a supposed three-year deal being agreed between Newcastle and the Spanish manager, it looks as though Newcastle are on the verge of pulling off a massive coup.

Amongst the hype that has inevitably accompanied the news, one massive positive has been thus far overlooked by fans: one of our most important players already has a strong relationship with the Spaniard. Newcastle’s newly appointed captain, Jonjo Shelvey, was brought into the club by Benitez from Charlton in May 2010, just days before his dismissal. At the time, Shelvey a highly sought-after commodity, was attracting attention from the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal.

But Liverpool, after submitting a £1.7m bid to the Chamionship club, secured his signature. And, according to reports at the time, Benitez was instrumental in convincing Shelvey to sign for the Merseyside club.

This is what he had to say following the signing:

“We are trying to bring in British players with passion,” said Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez.

“Players who you can feel what playing for Liverpool means to them. Shelvey is one of these and we have two or three names ready so we will try to do the best for the club.

“I was trying to sign Gareth Barry before and Glen Johnson was the same idea – we have this long-term plan in place and we will try to follow the plan.”

Of course, considering Benitez was sacked just days later, he never got the chance to develop the player as he wished. But, if the reports are to be believed, and he is to sign a deal in the coming 24 hours, he will now get that chance at Newcastle.

Shelvey has been the bright spark in what has been a torried season so far for Newcastle and he has been somewhat of a revelation since signing in January. The arrival of Benitez is sure to inspire faith in the Newcastle captain, and I sincerely look forward to seeing how he develops under his tutorship.

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