Newcastle United were relegated from the Premier League earlier this week, after Sunderland won their game in-hand to send their local rivals down to The Championship.
Despite the relegation, local anger is not being directed towards manager Rafael Benitez, but to the club's owner Mike Ashley and the board instead.
The former Real Madrid manager took charge of the team in March when the team with in 19th position. In his nine league games in charge of the team so far they were unbeaten in their last five games, but three losses from the first four made the task difficult.
Such has been the goodwill towards Benitez, to stay on at Newcastle despite a release clause in his contact, a local newspaper are leading the fight to convince him to stay.
The Chronicle have devoted their front page on Friday morning to Spanish manager.
#DearRafa We need you!https://t.co/uIFjKAF1V1 pic.twitter.com/q3hySsBAZS
— The Chronicle (@EveningChron) May 13, 2016
"Dear Rafa,
We speak for the region when we make this plea.
Everyone is right behind you and we're desperate for you to stay.
Please, Rafa, give us the football we deserve.
At Chelsea, some supporters simply shrugged when you won the Europa League. At Newcastle, we'd immortalise you in a statue.
So stay with us. Rescue us. Win for us and lead us back to glory!
Yours hopefully,
The Toon Army"
Whether Benitez remains at St. James' Park remains to be seen, but it's clear the majority want him to do so, and hopefully get the club promoted at the first time of asking.
