Former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson says the club must keep hold of manager Rafa Benitez.

He is confident Benitez can take the club back into Europe.

Williamson told the Evening Chronicle: “With the pedigree of manager it does bring excitement.

"Fingers crossed we can keep building and let him have that platform to be successful.

"Every fan wants that. How do I feel looking back at our achievements?

"It's one of them where you look back and what we did wasn't appreciated at the time.

"It was unbelievable really. Pushing for the Champions League and getting into Europe via Europa League.

"It is still a massive club and they are now going through a similar situation again now with the politics side of things.

"But it's got a fantastic manager and a really good group of players."