Wise leaves Newcastle

Newcastle's executive director (football) Dennis Wise has left his position at the club after just over a year in the job.

The former Chelsea midfielder's departure is likely to coincide with the arrival of ex-Magpies striker Alan Shearer in a managerial role until the end of the season.

"Newcastle United can confirm that Dennis Wise has left his position as executive director (football)," said a club statement.

It continued: "The club would like to take this opportunity to wish Dennis well for the future. There are no plans to appoint a replacement in this role."

Wise was Leeds boss when he was recruited by owner Mike Ashley in January 2008 as part of an overhaul of the management structure which also saw the appointment of Tony Jimenez as vice-president (player recruitment) and Jeff Vetere as technical co-ordinator.

Wise's brief was to focus on transfers, scouting and youth development but it was an appointment which proved unpopular with fans and was not welcomed by former manager Kevin Keegan, who was brought in around the same time but resigned in September last year.

Shearer, who rejected the chance to join Keegan's coaching staff, has also been critical of the structure at the club and Wise's exit now appears to pave the way for the club's record goalscorer to return to St James' Park.