Thursday 2 June 2016 13:22, UK
Newcastle have announced that Spaniard Mikel Antia has joined Rafael Benitez's coaching staff.
The 43-year-old replaces former assistant Fabio Pecchia, who has been named the new manager of Serie B outfit Hellas Verona.
Antia has been recruited from the Aspire Academy in Qatar, where he was helping young Qatari players to develop.
During his playing days, he worked under Benitez when he was at the Real Madrid academy and during his time at Real Valladolid.
And Benitez said: "I am delighted that Mikel is joining my staff.
"He is a very talented coach and I know he will add great expertise to my team.
"At the same time, I am sad to see Fabio depart, as he has been an excellent professional from the first day until the last in the years we have worked together.
"He leaves to face these new and exciting challenges, both personally and professionally. I wish him all the best and say thank you."
The remainder of Benitez's coaching staff will remain in place, in the form of Francisco de Miguel Moreno, Antonio Gomez Perez, Ian Cathro and Simon Smith.
Benitez, Antia, and the rest of the backroom team will now gear up for the challenge of returning Newcastle to the Premier League after their relegation from the top flight last season.
