Newcastle Boss Rafa Benitez Praised for Early Transfer Business by Geordie Legend Mick Quinn

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez has received praise from Magpies legend Mick Quinn, after securing his transfer targets early in the transfer window.

Writing in his column intheChronicle, Quinn was impressed with the Spaniard's signings to date as his Newcastle side prepare for life back in the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League.

Having promised to ensure that transfer activity was dealt with quickly, Newcastle have certainly followed through on their promise, and Quinn is delighted with the exciting talent that Benitez has bought to St James' Park.

Rafa Benitez right now.. https://t.co/JRTQVs7FqM

The Newcastle manager identified areas where his side needed improving following the Magpies dismal 2015-16 Premier League season.

With this his first summer in charge of the club, Benitez has been quick to remove the old guard from the club.

Quinn, who featured 115 times from the Toon Army scoring 59 goals is delighted that the club appear to be improving the playing squad, something he feels was essential.

"In a sense, he (Benitez)is heralding the start of a new era. Change was necessary, and change is being delivered."

Club captain Fabricio Coloccini, Papiss Cisse and Steven Taylor have all moved on from the football club, and have been replaced by a crop of young and exciting talents.

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As Newcastle succumbed to relegation, it became apparent that a number of players became disillusioned with the club, with their minds elsewhere.

"At times it felt as if the Coloccinis and Cisses in the squad had forgotten what it means to be a Newcastle player last season; their desire and passion had become weakened" stated Quinn.

BREAKING: Papiss Cissé joins Chinese club Shandong Luneng

Full story: https://t.co/ijwi43hZjV #NUFC pic.twitter.com/LnIxULosks

In their place have come a number of signings that appear excited to pull on the famousblack and white shirt.

To date Benitez has completed the high profile signings of Premier League regulars Matt Ritchie from Bournemouth and Crystal Palace's Dwight Gayle, along with Spanish import Jesus Gamez.

Arsenal youngster Isaac Hayden has also signed along the dotted line, as Benitez shook off interest from Steve Bruce's Hull City for Hayden's signature.

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With the exclusion of Gamez, all three of these players have enjoyed successful stints within the Championship, something which Quinn hails.

"That for me is the key thing here...Ritchie, Gayle and Hayden have all been there before - they know what it's about and what it takes to get out of the second tier and back into the Premier League."