Townsend hopes Benitez stays on at Newcastle

Andros Townsend has only been at Newcastle United for a short few months, but he's already throwing his hat in support of fellow newcomer Rafa Benitez.

The Spaniard took over as manager of the club in March following the sacking of Steve McClaren, but with Newcastle being relegated at the end of the 2015-16 Premier League season, Benitez could potentially leave the club, too.

Townsend is hoping that doesn't happen.

"It would be massive for Newcastle to keep Rafa as manager," the star midfielder said, according to Sky Sports. "He's one of the best managers in the world. If we can keep a manager of that calibre and keep doing the right things we'll build.

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"We won't cut corners but we'll build for the future and come straight back into the Premier League. Then we'll be up there challenging in the Premier League because that's what the manager wants to do."