The announcement that Rafael Benítez will be parting company with Newcastle United as of June 30 has shaken the footballing world.

After a period of negotiation between the club and their Spanish manager, it was agreed that Benítez would not be renewing his contract at St. James Park.

Having managed the Magpies through relegation to the Championship and subsequent promotion back to the Premier League, Benítez has seen it all over the last three years.

With proposed takeovers failing time and time again, it appears that Benítez’s patience has worn thin. He’s simply taken this current side as far as he can. And without additional investment, Benítez’s managerial credentials are simply wasted.

The Spaniard’s time at St. James Park will be viewed as a relative success. All things considered, from forever-changing ownership issues to a sub-standard squad, Benítez’s reign at Newcastle was impressive – finishing 13th in the Premier League last season.

As a manager who has won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and LaLiga, his job at Newcastle provided a different challenge. Benítez was no longer managing the likes of Gerrard or Torres, but players who had long been on the periphery of Premier League football.

Benítez’s job was to get the best out of what he had. And that he did right from the word go. A 6-game unbeaten run at the end of his first season in charge would have seen the Magpies safe – had it not been for a miraculous end of season run from local rivals Sunderland.

A 5-1 win against Spurs on the final day of that relegation season showed what was to come for Benítez. Yes, star players Gini Wijnaldum and Moussa Sissoko would shortly leave, but Benítez had united a fanbase, a community.

His successful reign at Newcastle makes him a unique manager. One that has managed both at the top and the bottom of the Premier League, with very different teams. It takes an incredibly intelligent manager to work at such varying levels of the game.

Instant promotion back to the Premier League was not a guarantee for Benítez. As one of the most challenging leagues in football, the Championship can be a cruel and unforgiving mistress. However, as much as Benítez has succeeded at the top level of European football, he had full belief in his own ability to galvanize a squad of players.

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Benítez’s time in charge of the Magpies was one of his greatest achievements as a manager. Benítez had the charm to build a special bond with one of English football’s most loyal fanbases. As a one club city, Newcastle is very much centered around football, and the manager of Newcastle United has a responsibility to deliver.

With such affection between Benítez and the fans, there was an understanding. An understanding that it might not be pretty, but it’s the best we’ve got.

There’s no doubt that, had one of the proposed takeovers happened, we may well not be discussing Benítez’s departure. With sufficient investment, Benítez and Newcastle could be a match made in heaven. If Benítez can get a 13th placed finish out of this side, imagine where he could have taken Newcastle with a bit of money.

Benítez’s time at St. James Park will be remembered fondly by Newcastle fans. He was a high profile manager that rolled up his sleeves and saved the club from sinking yet again.

Life beyond Benítez begins quickly for Newcastle who will now be looking for his successor. As much as Benítez deserves praise for what he has done, we will only see the level of his skill when his replacement gets to work.

In the view of many Newcastle fans, this is yet another opportunity missed. Managers like Benítez don’t come around very often, and it would be surprising to see a positive summer ahead for the Magpies.