Rafael Benitez confirmed that he had agreed to stay on as manager of Newcastle United, despite the club's relegation to the Championship.

To have a manager with the reputation and achievements of the Spaniard is a huge bonus for a club that has had surrounded with negativity for nearly a decade of Mike Ashley's ownership.

Having a manager that has the backing of the supporters is crucial to success at St James' Park. Having a boss that the Toon Army don't support can have a detrimental impact on the team's fortunes, as the short-lived Steve McClaren showed last season.

The fans, importantly, believe in Benitez and he had an immediate impact with the club and the supporters admire him, which was evident from the stands in the 5-1 demolition of Tottenham on the final day of the season.

But the work is far from over and a lot of work is needed if Newcastle are going to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

The squad has quality in every position, but they are going to need to add some strength in depth if they are going to succeed in the up-and-coming Championship season.

There are an extra eight games on top of the average league season, as well as those who will join their countries on international duty, and fatigue is going to be an issue, therefore Rafa is going to need to bring in some proven players at this level.

A look at the two teams that achieved automatic promotion last season, Burnley and Middlesbrough, and experience in the Championship was evident throughout their squads.

On paper, Benitez will have one of the strongest squads in the division available to him but there are a number of underlying issues to be addressed before the transfer window closes in the Autumn.

The defence needs work while the midfield could do with some more Championship experience, but it is their attack that needs the most recruitment.

Papiss Cisse, Aleksander Mitrovic and young Adam Armstrong are the strikers available and that should be ringing alarm bells with the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss.

Cisse hasn't looked the same player since Demba Ba left, Mitrovic is far too hot-headed to play in 46 games and Armstrong, while talented, is very inexperienced and has never played in the Championship.

They need additions and while some of the players may not be the big names that fans crave, they will be needed to get them out of the division.

This summer will be crucial for Benitez and Newcastle and fans expecting a walk in the park like the last time the club was in the second tier, are going to be in for a shock.