Newcastle keeper Rob Elliot has admitted he would have laughed if he had been told Rafael Benitez would be the clubs manager a few weeks ago. However now that he is, the Republic of Ireland international and his team-mates have an added incentive - if they needed one - to secure the Magpies Premier League status.Benitez has signed a three-year deal at St James Park, but there is a break clause in his contract that allows Benitez or Newcastle to walk away from the deal if the club is relegated. Rob Elliot has been Newcastles first-choice goalkeeper this season Elliot says the chance to work with one of the biggest names in the game on a sustained basis is one the players do not want to pass up.He told the Northern Echo: If youd said to me a couple of weeks ago that Rafa would be our manager, Id have probably laughed. But hes here and its a fantastic opportunity for the players and this football club to move forward with him in charge. We just need to make sure that, one, we stay in the division, and two, that hes our manager for the next few years to build and take us to where we want to be.Its been great to have him on board. We havent had too much time to work with him yet because hes just arrived, but his experience speaks for itself. Its been exciting and motivating for the players to have someone like the gaffer to come in. Benitez (right) was sacked by Real Madrid in January Just look at his calibre - hes just left Real Madrid. Were all aware that we need to work hard and listen to what he asks us to do so we can climb up the table as quickly as possible.Benitezs first game at the helm ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat at leaders Leicester on Monday evening, and the Spaniard will hope to set the ball rolling in Sundays derby clash with Sunderland on Tyneside, live on Sky Sports, a game neither club can afford to lose. Also See: Given fears for Newcastle in derby Sissoko backs Benitez to succeed Clark: Biggest derby ever Premier League build-up Junichi Tazawa Red Sox Jersey . The South Africa international, who rejoined the club last month on loan from Tottenham, opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a powerful shot into the roof of the net. Jackie Bradley Jr. Red Sox Jersey .J. -- Patrick Sharp is on one of those streaks. https://www.cheapredsox.com/.com) - His team lost in the round of 16 of the FCS playoffs, yet Northern Iowa football coach Mark Farley says his team has made a strong case to be voted to the top 5 in the final rankings. Luis Tiant Red Sox Jersey . Among the six changes: Drivers are now eligible if they have competed for 30 or more years in NASCAR or turned 55 in the calendar year before nominating day. Previously, drivers were not eligible until they had been retired for three years, so drivers can continue to compete and still reach the hall. Hanley Ramirez Red Sox Jersey . There was little fanfare, though, when the Yankees captain was taken out of his final regular-season Subway Series game in the eighth inning. Jeter watched the last four outs from the bench, pulled off the field during a double switch Thursday night as the Yankees held off the Mets 1-0.ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Redskins have signed quarterback Colt McCoy. McCoy signed his contract Thursday, giving the Redskins a new potential No. 3 quarterback to replace Rex Grossman. Grossman is a free agent after playing behind Robert Griffin III and Kirk Cousins the last two seasons. McCoy could aalso complete for the No.dddddddddddd. 2 spot if the Redskins decide to trade Cousins. McCoy was a third-round draft pick in 2010 by the Cleveland Browns. He started 21 games his first two seasons but has since been a backup. He played last year with San Francisco, appearing in four games and throwing one pass. ' ' '