Magpies confirm new chief
17 Jun 2008 - 11:33:45
Newcastle United have unveiled Derek Llambias as their new chief after confirming that Chris Mort has stepped down from his role as chairman.
Llambias will step up from his current role as deputy chairman to become the club's managing director as part of a new-look management team.
Last month it was revealed that Mort would step down from the helm of the Magpies after just one season to return to his previous role as head of the leisure arm of law firm Freshfields in London.
He became chairman in July 2007 and, alongside then new owner Mike Ashley, was responsible for luring Kevin Keegan back for a second spell as manager midway through the last season.
"Since coming to work at Newcastle United I have quickly begun to appreciate the passion people have for the club," Llambias told the club's official website.
"I firmly believe we have the right people with the right expertise, with Kevin Keegan back as manager and being fully supported by Mike Ashley and the directors, to take the club forward again."
The departing Mort added: "I've enjoyed my time immensely as chairman of Newcastle United, but with high quality individuals recruited for each of the key management roles at the club and the club heading in the right direction following the strategic review, the time feels right for me to return to Freshfields."
