The Spaniard has led Newcastle to top of the Championship this season.
Quoted by the Chronicle, former Newcastle United defender Steve Watson has said that he is confident Rafa Benitez can lead them back to the Premier League.
The Magpies were on a downer at the end of last season after suffering relegation to the Championship.
Keeping Benitez has proven to be a masterstroke though as they have taken the division by storm.
Newcastle United Manager Rafael Benitez celebrates after the game
They currently sit top of the Championship after 15 games, three points ahead of Brighton and Hove Albion second place and six ahead of the play-off spots.
Currently on a seven-game winning run, they appear to be on course for a quick return to the top flight and Watson says he is confident it will happen.
“I really feel there is a little bit of a connect coming back between the club and the city again, at least I certainly hope so,” the Chronicle quotes him saying.
I was as happy as any other fan over the summer when the club managed to keep hold of Rafa. I am pretty confident that he can take the club back to the Premier League.”
Newcastle United Manager Rafael Benitez celebrates after the match
Benitez has proven to be a big hit in the North East, quickly building a relationship with the Magpies faithful.
They have responded by offering stern backing to the Spaniard, with some putting him in the same bracket as club greats such as Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson.
Watson was a part of that famous entertainers side that thrilled St James Park under Keegan and Watson says he can see one similarity that Benitez shares with his former boss.
“It’s about building something and making sure the joy is brought back into the club,” he added.
“He seems to understand what fans want and I do see similarities with Kevin Keegan in that. There’s a long way to go even in terms of promotion this season, but I really do believe the club could not have done any better than keep Rafa.”
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
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