After months of speculation, Newcastle United have confirmed that manager Rafa Benitez will leave the club on 30 June.
How has it come to this for one of the most famous clubs in Britain?
When the season ended on May 12, with Newcastle thumping Fulham 4-0, there was some anxiety in the air, of course. With Salomon Rondon returning to West Brom and the countdown on Benitez's contract entering 'critical' mode, the Newcastle fanbase was understandably concerned.
Then came the news from the Bin Zayed Group (BZG), confirming their interest in buying the club.
Finally, the city of Newcastle and the Toon Army would be saved from the tyrannical incompetency of the Mike Ashley era!