But the important part for the club was re-gaining their Premier League status, when clubs like Aston Villa have failed to bounce back.
Elliot said: “I don’t think he’ll stay just to keep us up. He’s not that sort of manager.
Rob Elliot reckons Rafael Benitez should stay at Newcastle and finish what he startedRex FeaturesRafael Benitez celebrates promotion back to the Premier League in the St James dugoutRex Features
“He sees this as a long-term project. The connection back with the fans, the manager and the players is just brilliant.
“Hopefully this is the start of something special and we can look back and see this as the catalyst that pushes us forward.”
Benitez, 57, first joined English football when he replaced Gerrard Houllier as Liverpool manager, before going on to win a sensation Champions League crown with the Reds in 2005.
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An ill-fated caretaker spell at Chelsea followed in 2013 – when the fans bizarrely turned against him – but he has also managed at Inter, Napoli and Real Madrid, but has found more love in the North East.
He signed a three-year deal only last May after taking over at the club on a permanent basis.
When asked about his future last night, Benitez said: “You never know – that’s football.
Newcastle fans unfurled a giant banner last night before the team went on to beat Preston to win promotion back to the Premier LeagueGetty Images
“I am really pleased to be here and really happy and proud for everything we have achieved.
“Hopefully, we can put in the foundations for something that will be a guarantee for the future.
“But what we need to do is enjoy today and after we will see where we are.
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