Rob Elliot Gives An Insight Into Rafa's Man Management

As reported by The Chronicle, Rob Elliot has given an insight into the kind of man management that Newcastle players receive from Rafa Benitez.

Elliot said: “I was having a thigh operation, they cut the tendon off completely.

“I got a text: ‘Hi Rob, hope injury is well.’

“He asked me which players I ‘like for the Championship’.

“I was half drugged-up, I thought I might put ‘Keegan’.

“I thought: ‘Wow, he’s staying and he’s asking my opinion’.

“It gave me such a massive lift.”

This is totally different to the treatment that Elliot received from Steve McClaren last season, who told Elliot he could find a new club.

Elliot added:  “Then [October 2015] I was away with Ireland and found out Tim ruptured his cruciate”

“Karl was injured, so I was the only fit keeper at the club.

“I remember thinking that no one really wanted me here a few months ago, my future wasn’t here, but now I was playing for Newcastle again.”

The 30-year-old goalkeeper also said this about Newcastle: “I love living up here, we’ve really settled,”

“I wanted to sign a new contract that showed I was part of the club again and part of its future.

“It means something – if you don’t feel part of where you are, you can drift.

“I’m signed to 2020 with a two-year option. I was really happy.”