Thompson expected to leave

When Benitez takes over he is expected to bring his own right-hand man, Francisco Ayestaran, with him and that will be the end of Thompson.

Ayestaran is a highly qualified coach in his own right and has enjoyed considerable success alongside Benitez at Valencia and Tenerife.

Although Thompson is expected to depart, Ian Rush and Sammy Lee are expected to be kept on especially as Sammy Lee is fluent in Spanish from his time at Osasuna.