Newcastle United news: Benitez tactic explained, Gerrard retires

Benitez's side are five points clear at the top of the Championship ahead of Saturday's home game against Blackburn Rovers.

Newcastle beat Leeds United 2-0 at Elland Road last weekend - but Benitez WILL change a winning team.

And midfielder Hayden, signed from Arsenal in the summer, has been speaking about the way Benitez keeps his players guessing until the last minute.

The Blackburn game will be long-serving Mick Lowes' last as United commentator for BBC Radio Newcastle.

And the station today revealed the identity of Lowes' successor.

Former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, recently linked with a January move to Newcastle, has announced his retirement from football.

The 36-year-old, keen to start a new career in coaching, had been at LA Galaxy.

"I feel lucky to have experienced so many wonderful highlights over the course of my career," said Gerrard, who won the Champions League under Benitez at Liverpool.

"I have had an incredible career, and am thankful for each and every moment of my time at Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy.

"As a teenager I fulfilled my childhood dream by pulling on the famous red shirt of Liverpool, and when I made my debut against Blackburn Rovers in November 1998 I could never have imagined what would then follow over the next 18 years."

Finally, we have news on a club looking to take Newcastle goalkeeper Matz Sels on loan.