Newcastle United’s hierarchy takes yet another odd direction under Mike Ashley.
Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez are coming off a disappointing result last weekend, as a 2-0 loss at Liverpool did not exactly feature an engaging overall performance. Owner Mike Ashley appointed a four-man board of directors to help guide the club to success in 2015, and after yesterday’s news there is now only one person left from the group.
Magpies legend Bobby Moncur confirmed that he is no longer in a director role, and will take over an “ambassador” position for the Toon moving forward. Speaking with The Chronicle recently, the former captain said that he would continue to work with United in different ways.
“Yes, I am off the board but nothing has changed with my ambassador role or duties with the Foundation.”
The board consisted of Steve McClaren, managing director Lee Charnley, chief scout Graham Carr and Moncur.
McClaren was sacked not long after, and Carr departed last year. That left Charnley and Moncur, and now Benitez is working directly with only Charnley and Ashley.
No accountability
For the fans, the frustrations are quite obvious and continue on what seems like a never-ending journey into the abyss when it comes to Ashley’s choices.
Transfer windows produce little assistance to his manager, while Benitez fights and battles to keep the Toon in the Premier League.
Takeover talks feel like a long, long time ago. #NUFC https://t.co/LQY4on0o7c
— Newcastle Toons (@NewcastleToons) February 17, 2018
To have a group in place that is supposed to help lead the team, both in the present and in the future, is a positive. The board clearly matter very little to Ashley and Charnley, as now Moncur’s exit only solidifies the thought that seemed obvious – it is only a two-man operation at the top of St. James’ Park.
Next: Newcastle United's all-time top five managers
Bobby Moncur will always be an important individual at Newcastle United, and his role as a director may not see a great impact in his absence. However, this feels like Rafa Benitez has been abandoned in some respects, and that’s a shame.