As reported by The Chronicle, Rob Elliot has given an insight into the kind of man management that Newcastle players receive from Rafa Benitez.
Elliot said: “I was having a thigh operation, they cut the tendon off completely.
“I got a text: ‘Hi Rob, hope injury is well.’
“He asked me which players I ‘like for the Championship’.
“I was half drugged-up, I thought I might put ‘Keegan’.
“I thought: ‘Wow, he’s staying and he’s asking my opinion’.
“It gave me such a massive lift.”
This is totally different to the treatment that Elliot received from Steve McClaren last season, who told Elliot he could find a new club.
Elliot added: “Then [October 2015] I was away with Ireland and found out Tim ruptured his cruciate”
“Karl was injured, so I was the only fit keeper at the club.
“I remember thinking that no one really wanted me here a few months ago, my future wasn’t here, but now I was playing for Newcastle again.”
The 30-year-old goalkeeper also said this about Newcastle: “I love living up here, we’ve really settled,”
“I wanted to sign a new contract that showed I was part of the club again and part of its future.
“It means something – if you don’t feel part of where you are, you can drift.
“I’m signed to 2020 with a two-year option. I was really happy.”