Shearer hails Benitez �coup�

AFP, LONDON: Newcastle great Alan Shearer said the Magpies had pulled off a “good coup” in appointing Rafael Benitez as their new manager.
The Spaniard has been given the task of keeping the north-east side, currently second bottom, in the lucrative Premier League with just 10 games of the season remaining.
Benitez was installed at St James’ Park on Friday just hours after the Magpies sacked former manager and ex-England boss Steve McClaren.
Newcastle are just one point shy of safety and Shearer said Benitez could keep them in the top flight.
“I think it’s a good coup for Newcastle,” Shearer told BBC Sport. “I’m surprised, when you consider how much success he’s had and the clubs he’s been at.
“What’s different about this appointment is that all the other managers that have been appointed under (owner) Mike Ashley have been in a position of weakness.
“(They have) not being able to name their terms, they’ve had to put up with a transfer system that hasn’t benefited the club or themselves, and other things,” the former England striker added.

Shearer hails Benitez �coup�

AFP, LONDON: Newcastle great Alan Shearer said the Magpies had pulled off a good coup in appointing Rafael Benitez as their new manager. The Spaniard has been given the task of keeping the north-east side, currently second bottom, in the lucrative Premier League with just 10 games of the season remaining. Benitez was installed at St James Park on Friday just hours after the Magpies sacked former manager and ex-England boss Steve McClaren. Newcastle are just one point shy of safety and Shearer said Benitez could keep them in the top flight. I think its a good coup for Newcastle, Shearer told BBC Sport. Im surprised, when you consider how much success hes had and the clubs hes been at. Whats different about this appointment is that all the other managers that have been appointed under (owner) Mike Ashley have been in a position of weakness. (They have) not being able to name their terms, theyve had to put up with a transfer system that hasnt benefited the club or themselves, and other things, the former England striker added.