The Chronicle is publishing an open letter to Rafa Benitez to implore that he stays as Newcastle United manager and returns the club to the glory its fans so richly deserve.

Friday's Chronicle newspaper will publish the below open letter on the front page as we also launch this petition to keep Rafa at the Magpies' helm.

Here's our message to Rafa:

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