Rafa Benitez was happy to prove his doubters wrong after returning Newcastle to the Premier League one year after they were relegated.
It was a mild surprise when Benitez, who has previously led Liverpool and Real Madrid, agreed to stay with Newcastle in the second tier, and there was no guarantee he would be successful after failing to keep the Magpies in the top flight in 10 games in charge in 2015-16.
But Benitez could smile after Newcastle secured their promotion with an emphatic 4-1 win over Preston North End on Monday, ensuring a place in the top two of the Championship this season.