HE’S managed some of the world’s biggest football clubs and today he touched down in Southend.

Rafael Benitez, and his Newcastle team, flew into Essex to take on Southend United, as they prepare for life in the Championship after being relegated from the Premier League. The Shrimpers will soon be battling it out in League One aiming to improve on last season’s 14th place finish.

Southend boss Phil Brown’s counterpart has an impressive CV complied in his 23 year managerial career.

Benitez has managed a host of top clubs including Real Madrid, Valencia, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Napoli.

He is also the only manager in history to have won the Europa League, Super Cup, Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Follow tonight's game and get all the post-match reaction on the Echo website.