'Gutted but we must move on' - Newcastle United fans provide mixed response to Rafa Benitez's Everton move

The 61-year-old has signed a three-year-deal at Goodison Park, despite strong objections from Toffees supporters given his links to bitter rivals Liverpool.

Benitez, however, remains a popular figure on Tyneside, and many had hoped for an emotional return should the Amanda Staveley-brokered takeover be approved.

But rather than dwell on Benitez’s taking on another Premier League job, some United fans have called on fellow supporters to move on from the Spaniard.

@NUFCblogcouk: Gutted, but he's gone and we must move on. Thanks for your efforts at NUFC, @rafabenitezweb

@curtwarburton: Good luck to @rafabenitezweb on his new job. Now get this #NUFCTakeover done and move onto bigger and better things. #nufc

@bri44life: All the best at Everton. Will be interesting to see how things go when he gets backing he didn't get at #nufc

@FrostedSixteen: @rafabenitezweb from a #NUFC fan who was hoping you'd be back, I wish you all the best in this new challenge!

@johnpottm: When the two sides meet, £20 says the Newcastle fans will sing more songs about the Everton manager, than the Everton fans will sing about the Everton manager. This is such a bizarre appointment but I hope he does a good job.

@Matt_Plews: So Everton get Rafa Benitez and Newcastle get Duncan Fergusons son. Seems Fair!

@ToonArmy757: I’m not the only #NUFC supporter who finds Rafa joining Everton as strange right.

@SimplyAlmiron: What’s the odds on Ayoze being Rafa’s first signing for Everton? #nufc

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor