Rafael Benitez has agreed a three-year deal to stay on as Newcastle United manager. Sky Sports News HQ reported earlier on Wednesday that the Spaniard had struck a deal to extend his tenure, despite failing to prevent the teams drop to the Championship.The 56-year-old signed a three-year contract when replacing Steve McClaren in March, but the agreement was reported to include an option to cancel at the end of the season. However, the club have managed to persuade Benitez to remain at St James Park and announced the news on Wednesday evening. Benitez shakes hands with managing director Lee Charnley after signing his new contract A statement on the clubs website read: Newcastle are delighted to confirm that Rafa Benitez will remain as Newcastle United manager, after signing a new initial three-year contract.On Wednesday afternoon the Spaniard put pen to paper on the deal which will keep him on Tyneside until at least the summer of 2019. Benitez will have day-to-day responsibility for all football-related matters at the club. Rafa convinced How Newcastle persuaded their man to stay on Although the club dropped out of the top flight, Benitez reignited their campaign in the last two months, leading them to three wins and a six-game unbeaten run, which culminated in a 5-1 demolition of Tottenham on the final day of the season.Benitez said: I am extremely pleased to be staying at Newcastle United. The love I could feel from the fans was a big influence for me in my decision to stay, as was my relationship with Lee Charnley and all the staff. Newcastle odds-on for promotion Toons Championship odds slashed after Benitez agrees to stay This is a huge club and I wanted to be part of the great future I can see for Newcastle United.Managing director Lee Charnley added: When we brought Rafa to the club in March, we knew he was a phenomenal manager and everything we have seen from him since has only served to reinforce that.We are therefore delighted to have secured his services for the next three years and I believe with Rafa as manager it gives us the best possible chance of returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking and delivering success for this football club beyond that. Newcastle fans urged Benitez to stay despite the clubs relegation It is clear that Rafa has connected deeply with the clubs supporters and we do not underestimate the role they have played in his decision to stay.He has captured the hearts and minds not just of the fans, but of everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him at the club thus far. As a world-class manager we had no doubt in our minds as to the importance of retaining him at Newcastle United.A further announcement regarding Benitezs coaching staff will be made in due course. Also See: How Newcastle convinced Rafa From the Bernabeu to Burton Wijnaldum devastated at drop When does your season start? Oscar Robertson Bucks Jersey . Takahashi, who had a 10-point lead after the short program, received 268.31 points after the free skate to finish 15 points ahead of second-place Nobunari Oda. George Hill Jersey . 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Umberger scored twice to lead the Blue Jackets to a franchise-record for consecutive wins with a 5-3 victory Tuesday night over the Los Angeles Kings. SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Lorenzo Long ran for 127 yards on 13 carries with three touchdowns and Woffords defense scored three times as the Terriers dominated Division II member Johnson C Smith 59-0 on Saturday.Long ended a short first-quarter touchdown drive with a 2-yard plunge. He added a 24-yard scoring carry in the second quarter, then the Terriers used a 10-play, 70-yard drive -- capped by David Marvins 38-yard field goal -- to lead 17-0 at intermission.Wofford piled it on in the second half. In tthe third quarter, another short drive ended with Longs 16-yard scoring run, Mikel Horton recovered a fumble for a score, and Brad Butler found Chandler Gouger from 13 yards out for another.ddddddddddddIn the fourth, Nick Ward picked off Harold Herbin and raced 81 yards for a touchdown. 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