Rafa Benitez ‘extremely pleased’ as he agrees Newcastle contract

Benitez has agreed to stay on and lead the fight for promotion back to the Premier League.

Rafael Benitez has agreed to stay at Newcastle and lead the fight for promotion back to the Barclays Premier League, the club have confirmed.

The 56-year-old Spaniard has signed a new initial three-year deal after opting not to exercise the release clause in the contract he signed in March to protect him in the event of relegation, and will have day-to-day responsibility for all football-related matters.