Cape Town - Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer believes Rafa Benitez won't manage the club in the Championship after relegation from the Premier League was confirmed last night, by their bitter rivals Sunderland no less.
The former Liverpool manager took over from Steve McClaren with nine Premier League games remaining, but two wins and three draws were not enough to prevent a second relegation for the Magpies in the last eight years.
"A guy of great stature, a world-renowned coach with his CV managing in the Championship? I can't see it happening," Shearer told BBC Radio 5. "I'd love to be wrong. It would be brilliant if he was to stay."
The experienced Spaniard has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave St James' Park following relegation, and the club's all-time leading goalscorer doesn't expect the man who started the season as boss of Real Madrid to be content in England's second tier.
"I know it's a huge football club and I know he's been very impressed with how the fans have taken to him but I'd be amazed if he stayed as I'm sure he'll have loads and loads of offers, not only from the Premier League but from around the world."