Lee Charnley leaves Newcastle post as new Saudi owners make wholesale changes

Amanda Staveley's Newcastle revolution continues to gather pace, as Lee Charnley has left the club after 22 years of service.

Charnley was an influential figure during Mike Ashley's controversial 14-year reign at St James' Park, working his way up the ranks to become the Toon's managing director in 2014.

His departure was widely expected after a Saudi-backed consortium - led by Staveley - completed a takeover of the club last month.

"To have been at Newcastle United for 22 years has been an honour and a privilege, and the club, its people and our city will always be very special to me," said Charnley.

"As it enters a new chapter in its history under new owners, I wish Amanda, the rest of the Board and everyone connected with the club every success."

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Perhaps what's most surprising is the timing of Charnley's dismissal, with the new owners waiting six weeks to make a change.

The delay in his exit has allowed for a smooth transition of power, as Charnley was Newcastle's only director when the takeover was completed.

The new owners plan to install a new structure at St James' Park during the coming weeks, starting with a new CEO and sporting director.

According to The Athletic, interviews for the latter role have already started - with former Chelsea and Monaco chief Michael Emenalo being considered.

"I would like to thank Lee sincerely for his support and professionalism during this time of change," said Staveley. "His knowledge and assistance have been hugely appreciated by the club's new Board.

"Lee ends a long association with the club and on behalf of the Board, staff and players, I'd like to wish him the very best for the future."

Charnley was said to be a popular and respected figure among employees at St James' Park. For supporters, however, he will always be associated with the Ashley era.

The administrator's footballing ambitions and communications skills were questioned by fans throughout his seven-year spell in charge.

"He never puts his head above the parapet and he doesn't get involved in the politics," a source told Chronicle Live in August 2018.

"He's very, very quiet and doesn't get involved in arguments. He's been at the club for a long time and he joined when he was only a young lad.

"He likes to keep in the background and he doesn't give interviews."

Discussing her ambitions for Newcastle in October, Staveley said: "We want to see it get those trophies, obviously. At top of the Premier League, in Europe.

"But to get trophies means patience, investment, time. We want everybody to work with us to build the club towards what it needs to be.

"We've got a great squad... We're really excited about strengthening the squad, but we have to work within Financial Fair Play and make sure this is done over a longer term.

"But you can know and be reassured that we want to invest at every level. We want to get the best squad we possibly can."