Following brief stints as the divisive replacement to Jose Mourinho (twice!) and Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa Benitez has finally found a job where he can be considered a breath of fresh air rather than a colossal mistake. By replacing colossal mistake in his own right Steve McClaren at 19th-place Newcastle.

“Newcastle supporters are pinching themselves,” according to Sky Sports News after it was announced that McClaren, who lost five of his last six matches in a disastrous first season with the club, was being pushed out for a man who was leading Real Madrid six weeks ago.

“He’s got a good track record. Eh, why not? Someone’s got to do it,” said one fan.

“He’s a fantastic manager,” said another (and no, I didn’t make any of these quotes up). “I think he really gets the spirit of the club, understands the fans, and I think Liverpool and Newcastle are quite similar in that way.”

https://www.youtube.com/embed/rP0EsP4OOJY

Newcastle spent more money than any other Premier League club in the January transfer window in a desperate bid to stave off relegation, so Benitez should have a fighting chance to get the job done. And if he can’t, well, I’m sure Jose Mourinho will become a Newcastle season ticket holder next season just so he can watch Benitez in the Championship week in and week out.