Newcastle United have sacked their coach Steve Mclaren.
In his place, the club has hired former Real Madrid coach, Rafa Benitez.
According to unconfirmed reports Benitez is already on his way to take charge of the club, early enough for Monday’s match against league leaders Leicester City.
Managing director of the Club, Lee Charnley had issued a statement announcing Mclaren’s sack and promising to name a replacement in due course.
“After the defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday the Club has spent some time considering its position and has today concluded that Steve McClaren’s employment with the Club will end with immediate effect.
“We acknowledge that reaching this decision has taken a number of days and that this has caused uncertainty for everyone involved, in particular for Steve and the players, for which we apologise. However we felt that this time was necessary to ensure the right decisions were reached with the best interests of the Club at heart.
“Lee Charnley said: “I would like to thank Steve personally for his services to Newcastle United. He is a man of integrity and class and he has conducted himself with great dignity during this difficult time.
“”Steve worked tirelessly to try and bring success to Newcastle United. He has the utmost respect of all the players, staff and management and he leaves with our very best wishes and sincere thanks.
“We feel that a change is now needed in order to give the Club the best possible chance of securing its Premier League future.
“A further announcement on a successor to Steve will be made in due course.”