It will be no surprise when Steve McClaren is fired by Newcastle United. It is 19th in the Premier League having won only six games after spending £74 million over the last two transfer windows. There is no realistic argument for McClaren to remain in charge of this particular sinking ship.
What is more difficult to fathom out is why Rafa Benitez would want to risk his considerable reputation as manager of a dysfunctional club whose owner is reviled by the supporters and whose dressing room is heavy with overrated, underachieving players.
While both McClaren's departure and Benitez's appointment were waiting to be confirmed as The Japan Times went to press, it appeared everything was in place awaiting the final signatures.