After letting manager Rafael Benitez leave, the club began searching for a new manager. It has been reported Lee Charnley is leading these discussions. Rafa revealed that he told the club he was leaving in May, meaning the club have had 6 weeks to search for a manager. With only 10 days until our Asia Cup match against Wolves, the club need to find a manager quickly. It is unlikely that the new manager will be truly accepted by Newcastle fans, many feeling betrayed by the club's hierarchy after their decision to let a world class manager leave. Rafa fought for more money from Ashley and insisted on more ambition. Unfortunately, Rafa's desire and ambition was not matched by the hierarchy, ultimately resulting in Rafa leaving.

Neil Redfearn and Ben Dawson have been taking charge of training and will do so until Rafa's successor is chosen. There has been lots of speculation regarding the next manager. It has been reported that Belgium boss Roberto Martinez is the club's top choice. Martinez has previously managed Everton, from 2013-2016. It has also been suggested that other names being considered are Nice head coach Patrick Vieira, Rangers manager Steven Gerrard and Manchester City assistant Mikel Arteta. Gary Monk and Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe are also in the running. Also, former Premier League winner Claudio Ranieri is keen on the job.

Mikel Arteta is one of the favourites. He may choose to stay at Man City if he is approached by the club, because of the prospect of Champions League football and the fact Manchester City have just won the league two years in a row. However, he will surely be tempted by the opportunity to manage a Premier League team. Arteta will have gained lots of skills and tips from working with Pep Guardiola. However, he is inexperienced and has not had any managerial experince. I think Arteta would be a good manager, however certainly not as good as Rafa.

It is vital that Newcastle secure a good, experienced manager soon as there is only 32 days left of the transfer window and only 10 until our Asia Cup match. Many clubs we will be competing with for survival next season have already made big money signings. We need to do the same to give us a good chance at staying up.

Opinion