Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez bolsters coaching staff

A general view shows the pitch and stands inside of St James' Park the home of English Premier League football team Newcastle United taken on December 3, 2011
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Mikel Antia joins Rafael Benitez's coaching staff at Newcastle United following the departure of Fabio Pecchia to Hellas Verona.

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.

Fabio Pecchia pictured in May 2015
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