OPINION
Rafa Benitez has finally been handed a boost at Newcastle United as Neil Redfearn has reportedly been hired to aid the reserve team.
The Chronicle reported on on Tuesday that the former Championship boss had been added to the club’s coaching staff but it wasn’t clear how long he would have a role at the Magpies.
However it doesn’t matter if Redfearn only spends a short time at the club as his influence could have a significant affect and hand Benitez some good news.
Redfearn has plenty of experience, with a wide-range, having managed Leeds United, Rotherham and even been involved with women’s football as he has spent time at Doncaster Belles and Liverpool Women.
Given that Magpies’ reserve team and youth system has failed to aid the first-team in recent seasons then they may be about to change as surely an experienced presence like Redfearn can uncover some gems and help them improve.
Benitez will be boosted by Redfearn’s arrival for this reason as it has been previously reported that he has a grand vision to revamp the club’s youth system to ensure there is a constant first-team quality talent being produced.
The Chronicle previously reported that the Spanish manager had expressed his desire for the overhauling of the entire development structure at the Magpies in order for a clear pathway to be establish to the first-team.
Given that only two players who rose through the ranks of the academy for the club featured for the Magpies’ last season then it’s easy to see there’s a problem at the club.
While Redfearn’s appointment won’t have an instant impact to help Benitez cope with his lack of squad depth, it is a huge step in the right direction to securing a bright future.
Benitez has had several set-backs in recent times, such as disappointing transfer windows, but it seems he has been finally handed a boost at the club which means they’re moving in the right direction as the Magpies have hired such well-known coach to aid the club’s reserves and young players.
