Newcastle did not warn Benítez before their statement about his departure

Newcastle United are starting from scratch in their search for a new manager after announcing that Rafa Benítez will leave his role when his contract expires on Sunday.

The club became reconciled to the Spaniard’s departure from St James’ Park over the weekend and confirmed the decision in a statement yesterday.

Benítez, 59, will step away a little more than three years after joining Newcastle. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager led the team to promotion from the Sky Bet Championship and twice kept them in the Premier League. Although Benítez had been told by Newcastle they were seeking his replacement, he was not warned that an announcement was coming.

Sources insist no serious thought has been given to Benítez’s successor and no shortlist