8. Rafael Benitez
With Steve McClaren in charge, Newcastle were almost certainly set to plunge into the Championship. Fortunately, the Newcastle board (eventually) made the right decision to relieve the former England boss of his duties and call upon Rafa Benitez to guide them to safety. Benitez started the season at Real Madrid with Champions League and La Liga aspirations, and with players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale at his disposal. Now Rafa has thrown himself into a relegation battle by agreeing to replace McClaren and return to English football. Benitez's CV speaks for itself. A Champions League victory with Liverpool and two La Liga titles with Valencia are the standout achievements of a man who has won 12 trophies in his illustrious career. Although he is yet to win a game as Newcastle manager, he has had an immediate impact on a side that looked destined for the Championship. A master tactician, Benitez has shown that he is more up to the task than any of his predecessors. When things were going wrong under McClaren, there was no plan B. With Benitez at the helm, there is a plan B, C, D and E. Seriously, who else would have considered playing Moussa Sissoko at left back?!