The 2015/16 campaign was a painful one for everyone involved with Newcastle Football Club.

Not only had they lost their Premier League status, but it was their bitter rivals Sunderland who beat them to safety.

Steve McClaren's reign certainly didn't go as planned during his time in charge. Several transfer flops and a lack of chemistry between the fans made his sacking almost inevitable as they still teetered with relegation.

Bringing in Rafa Benitez was an extraordinary coo for Newcastle - given the precarious position they were in. However, their survival in the top tier of English football was not meant to be - meaning that they will kick off their 2016/17 season in the Championship.

Despite being relegated, Newcastle fans should feel in buoyant ahead of the new season - especially after Rafa Benitez pledging his allegiance to the club.

Benitez has managed at the top level of football in England at Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as in Europe with the likes of Real Madrid and Napoli.

As a result, Newcastle are one of the bookies favourites for the Championship title ahead of the next campaign and there are not many people who could argue with that.

However, the Championship is one of the hardest league in the world and the Toon Army may have a shock coming to them when they start the campaign.

Nevertheless, Newcastle have a tremendous chance of returning to the top flight of English football at the first time of asking in the hands of Rafa Benitez.

Here are THREE reasons why Benitez will lead the Magpies to glory next season...

 

Benitez' managerial capability

The appointment of Benitez earlier this year came as a pleasant surprise to the vast majority of Newcastle United fans.

his track record is something that has very rarely been associated with Championship football. His biggest achievement arguably coming in 2005 with the remarkable comeback from Liverpool that saw them beat AC Milan to the Champions League trophy.

The Spanish gaffer has often been commended by fellow managers for his attention detail as well as his tactical masterstrokes.

And, despite that not working in favour of the Magpies to secure Premier League safety, Newcastle fans should feel that the club is in the right hands with Benitez holding so many attributes that will be an advantage to the Toon Army.

The size of the club

There is definitely no doubting the colossal size of Newcastle United Football Club. Their fan base spreads across vast distances with St James' Park 52,405 in order to accommodate their passionate supporters.

That will certainly be a huge advantage to their promotion push next season. St James' Park provides tremendous support to the Newcastle players when times are going well but, most importantly, they create a hostile atmosphere that can discourage other teams from performing to the best of their abilities.

As a result, the size of Newcastle could be a large reason for Rafa Benitez being able to lead them to glory next season.

Financial backing

With the size of the club, financial backing is an obvious advantage at the hands of Rafa Benitez. They are likely to be one of the highest spenders in the league with shear desperation to return to the Premier League.

The likes of Moussa Sissoko and Ayoze Perez are looking for an exit from Newcastle in a bid to secure their statuses as top flight players. So, that means that Benitez will have the power to bring in the players he wants at the club.

Under owner Mike Ashley, the club has a wealth of money behind him to bring his own players in. Thus, effective summer spending could be another reason as to why Newcastle can be led to glory under Benitez next season.