WILSON AIMS TO BOOST NEWCASTLE IMAGE
Story courtesy of 4thegame.com
Wednesday 15 Apr 1998
Alistair Wilson is hoping to repair Newcastle United's recent battered image after joining the club's board.
Newcastle fans are still in a state of shock following the allegations surrounding disgraced former directors Freddie Shepherd and Douglas Hall.
The pair quit the Magpies board last month following revelations about their behaviour in a national newspaper that enraged the club's supporters. But Wilson, who will be responsible for communications and public affairs, hopes he can help to heal the wounds.
Wilson has opted for early retirement from his post as managing director of Newcastle Breweries to take up the newly created role within the club.
The 57-year-old, not seen as a replacement for either Shepherd or Hall, has described his position as marketing the club within the community and the fans.
He said: "This is a great opportunity for me to stay in a city I have grown to love and take up this exciting appointment. "I will be liaising between the football club and the community, of which I'm delighted to be a part, and believe I can improve the perception of the club."
Wilson acknowledged that over recent months mistakes had been made at St James' Park and that with the creation of his new role, those errors would be eradicated.
He added: "There are two principle pegs, things which I have set out to do.
One is to get out into the community and promote the face of the club. Even though you cannot please everyone in every way I will be listening to the fans. "
Secondly, I believe the club has hidden its light under a bushel for too long. I think we must tell the community what we are doing and I'm sure I will find this no problem."
Official FA Carling Premiership website (now defunct)
Nufcmismanagement view:
Somehow this appointment didn't work, things went from bad to worse and this was another failed appointment.
Through all of this turmoil we can only find two constants, Freddy Shepherd and Douglas Hall.