Ant and Dec furious with Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley over Rafael Benitez exit: ‘Get out of OUR club!’

Ant and Dec have urged Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley to "get out of our club" following the news that Rafael Benitez is set to leave as manager.

Newcastle have begun their search for a new boss amid a furious backlash from fans after announcing Benitez will leave the club at the end of the month.

The Magpies made their announcement on Monday after failing to reach an agreement with Benitez over a new deal, with fans responding by ramping up the pressure on owner Ashley.

Former Toon hero Alan Shearer described the decision as a "shambles", while prominent supporters' group True Faith declared it "utter insanity".

Television presenters and lifelong fans Ant and Dec reacted with dismay on Twitter, claiming Benitez's departure was "disastrous" and urging Ashley to get out of the club.

Ant and Dec's tweet read: "Disastrous. Those ‘at the top’ of our great club should be ashamed. The great shame is that they won’t be.

"The way they are repeatedly able to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory is astonishing. Thank you @rafabenitezweb (...) Mike Ashley - get out of OUR club".

The future of Benitez, who has spent just over three years in charge at St James' Park since replacing Steve McClaren in March 2016, has been gathering momentum for the past 12 months.

There were no signs of the Spaniard and the club edging closer to an agreement as his contract entered into its final year.

Newcastle made Benitez a new offer but were unable to give the former Valencia, Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid boss certain assurances.

Benitez wanted greater control of Newcastle's recruitment process, including the freedom to sign the players he wanted regardless of their age or potential resale value.

The Spaniard guided Newcastle back to the Premier League at the first attempt in 2017 and has kept them in the top flight for the past two seasons on a shoestring budget.

His exit next week could have further repercussions as several players may now feel their future no longer lies on Tyneside, with striker Ayoze Perez linked with a return to Spain towards the end of last season.

Additional reporting by the Press Association.