Club reporter reveals what could happen to Lee Charnley if Kenyon completes NUFC takeover
The Chronicle's Chris Waugh believes Lee Charnley's position at the club would be under serious threat if Peter Kenyon completed a takeover - with the ex-Chelsea man hoping to take on a chief executive role at the club.
We all hope the takeover happens of course, but like this time last year, with each passing day it is becoming more and more unlikely due to how important the January transfer window would be to interested parties.
Here's what Waugh had to say during the Chronicle's latest Q&A when asked what would happen to Charnley if and when Ashley sells up:
The future of managing director Lee Charnley would certainly become uncertain following a takeover.
Charnley has risen through the ranks at NUFC and, though he often receives the ire of Newcastle fans, he is trusted by Ashley. What’s more, Benitez valued the closeness of his relationship with Charnley during the summer of 2016, and there is a belief behind the scenes that the pair would work well together once again if Ashley loosened the purse strings.
It is understood that Kenyon wants to become chief executive of Newcastle if he took control, meaning he would place himself above Charnley.
As for the three other consortia interested, it is unclear what shape the club’s hierarchy would take under them.
The future of Charley would be the last concern of Newcastle fans if Kenyon did complete the purchase of NUFC. Whether it is due to the restrictions from Ashley or not, Charnley has proven to be totally out of his depth as CEO of Newcastle United. An embarrassing lack of communication with fans is the main issue - as there is there no excuse for it.
Not getting deals 'over the line', failing to improve the academy or SJP, overseeing two relegations - all can be attributed to Ashley in the main. But the reality is that we have a yes man in charge who has little impact at the club and personally, if a takeover is completed, I hope we have a clean slate and Charnley moved on.
