Rafa Benitez rules out quick appointment of successor to Ian Cathro at Newcastle

Cathro last night took charge of Scottish Premiership side Hearts.

The 30-year-old – who had been assistant coach at Newcastle – is the youngest head coach in the history of the Scottish top flight.

“I would like to wish Ian the very best success with his first head coach role,” said United manager Rafa Benitez.

“When a coach has the opportunity and the desire to progress his career in management, it is always very important to allow them the freedom to move on.

“We all send Ian our good luck for his future.”

Benitez added that there would not be an immediate replacement for Cathro, who joined Newcastle last year after a spell working on Valencia’s staff.

“We will not be appointing a replacement to Ian in the immediate future,” said Benitez. “We will take some time now to decide what is best for us, our team, coaching staff and the club.”

Cathro has linked up with Craig Levein at Hearts. The pair previously worked together at Dundee United, where Cathro started out as a youth team coach.