No I don't think it was planned by Rafa. Far from it. He is loving his time on tyneside and said he would be happy to stay their for the rest of his career. The fans would be happy to have him. The problem is he is ambitious whereas Ashley isn't. Rafa has been the first manager since Keegan to stand up to Ashley. It's all very depressing on tyneside, haven't been to a game this season yet which is unusual for me. I'll be there in a few weeks though, hoping a first win of the season today.