Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan has insisted new executive director Dennis Wise will report to him, as he moved to dispel suggestions that his own role has been undermined by the appointment.
Wise quit Leeds to come to Newcastle and there have been suggestions that his appointment might put him at odds with Keegan.
However, Keegan, speaking after Newcastle’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal on Tuesday, claimed that Wise fell under his command.
“I am all for the changes and I approve of them,” he said. “They want someone on the board who understands football, and Dennis understands football very well.
“It will work very well. Dennis reports to me – the chain is established.
“The club has become slightly fragmented. From my point of view, it’s a positive thing – provided I get all the help I need.
“I know what Dennis is going to do, and the idea in principle is good – to look for new players, to bring youngsters through and do things which our academy isn’t doing so much at the moment.
“The club has become slightly fragmented. From my point of view, it’s a positive thing – provided I get all the help I need.
“I know what Dennis is going to do, and the idea in principle is good – to look for new players, to bring youngsters through and do things which our academy isn’t doing so much at the moment.”
Keegan also confirmed that he was involved in the appointment after speaking to owner Mike Ashley before he returned as manager.
“I knew about it. It’s not a surprise to me, it might be to other people,” Keegan told BBC Radio 5 live.
“Two or three names were given to me when I first sat down and talked about the job with the owner. One of them was Dennis.
“I know Dennis. I know he’s intelligent. I know his job here is to help me. He’s on my side.
“How can any manager be against someone who is going to come to the club to try to bring in talent?
“It’s right for this football club. A lot of people outside might be shocked about it. I think in the long term it’s the right decision. It’s something that needs to be done.”
Newcastle chairman Chris Mort has stressed that Wise will not be involved with the playing squad, but will focus onplayer recruitment and the development of the club’s youth academy.
