THE best way of putting it was always to say Newcastle United had hope however long they had Rafael Benitez. In the seemingly endless war against owner Mike Ashley and his era of austerity on Tyneside, Benitez was a beacon, a shining light who reminded fans what the club was and could be; a giant in the Premier League.

All of a sudden, though, that hope is gone. After a summer of silence, nerves and frustration, Newcastle announced that once his three-year contract expires on June 30, this Sunday, Benitez will leave the club. 

Failure to renegotiate a deal with a man who, despite his Champions League-winning pedigree was not only willing, but actively looking to remain in place at St James’ Park, is unforgivable and beyond anything that has gone before.