Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez bolsters coaching staff

Rafael Benitez has added Mikel Antia to his coaching team at Newcastle United.

Forty-three-year-old Antia has most recently been developing youngsters in Qatar, but he has previously worked alongside Benitez at Real Madrid and Real Valladolid.

"I am delighted that Mikel is joining my staff," the Newcastle boss told the club's official website.

"He is a very talented coach and I know he will add great expertise to my team."

Antia will replace first-team coach Fabio Pecchia, who yesterday left Tyneside to join Italian club Hellas Verona.