GETTY Rafa Benitez led Liverpool to their famous comeback Champions League triumph in 2005

The former Liverpool manager arrived at St James' Park on a three-year-deal when he took over from Steve McClaren in March. But the Spaniard's wily agents inserted a break-clause into the contract which would allow him to leave if Newcastle didn't beat the drop.

Twitter reacts to Newcastle United's relegation Wed, May 11, 2016 Click through the gallery for reactions to Newcastle United's relegation Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 14 Click through the gallery for reactions to Newcastle United's relegation