Attention Newcastle fans: Rafa Benitez and his side will be staying in Kildare next month

Rafael Benitez and his Newcastle United side will be staying in Kildare next month as the Magpies begin their pre-season preparations with a week-long trip to Ireland.

They will spend the entirety of their stay in Kildare, although it has yet to be revealed which hotel they will descend upon. The iconic North-East club were relegated to the Championship after a poor season in the Premier League in 2015/16, though the mood around the club has improved in recent days following the appointment of former Liverpool boss Benitez on a permanent basis.

Their visit is sure to interest hoards of Newcastle fans around the country and there will be no shortage of supporters turning up to whichever Kildare venue they have chosen to stay in.

“This training camp will be all about hard work and trying to maximize the time we have together,” said manger Rafael Benitez.

“The venue is a great football environment with excellent facilities and not too far to travel, which was very important.”

“The focus will be on fitness, making sure we all bond together and sharing ideas.”

“It will be very hard work and we are confident that it will be the perfect way to prepare for the start of the new season.”