Shock As Chief Quits Magpies
by Evening Chronicle, Jun 18, 2001
Newcastle United's chief executive David Stonehouse today quit the club after only 14 months in charge.
The life-long Magpie fan joined from arch rivals Sunderland as the last piece in the jigsaw to bring the board closer to the fans. But today he would only cite 'personal reasons' his shock departure.
No other explanation of his sudden exit was given by the club.
Plc chairman John Fender said he expected to see Mr Stonehouse back at Newcastle next season as a fan.
The chief executive caused controversy in March when he claimed the height of the club's ambition in the season ahead should be more mid-table mediocrity.
Earlier this month he spoke out blaming the clubs falling share price on the string of public relation scandals, including the infamous Toongate, that have rocked the club. Newcastle shares were worth around 95p each in March 1999, but have fallen steadily since then to 35p.
Mark Jenson, editor of the Mag fanzine, said: "It was obvious he was not singing from the same song sheet as Doug Hall and the suspicion is there has been a boardroom fall out.
I am sure many fans are wondering what is going on. "You thought he would be able to play his part in taking the club forward again. He was making the right noises but people were waiting to see if the club improved. I think the jury is still out."
Frank Gilmour, chairman of the Independent Supporters' Association, said: "It is a surprise decision. He will be missed by the club. I understand he has been instrumental behind the scenes in organising the up-coming Fans' Committee. and he has made things better. The club will now have to find someone who has his combination of skills."
Current director of football administration Russell Cushing has been appointed chief operating officer and Ken Slater, currently financial controller has been made finance director and this two men will effectively run the club on a day-to-day basis.
Mr Fender said: "David's input has taken us forward during this his time as chief executive. We respect his decision and wish him well. "The season wasn't too bad although we had a very flat patch but I don't think people make career decision based on eight football matches." He said the board and the club were stable and share prices would not be affected by the departure. He refuted suggestions it would affect the relationship of the board with fans.
Executive director of Newcastle United plc and chairman of the club Freddy Shepherd said: "We are sad to see David leaving the company and are grateful for his contribution over the last 14 months. He has been a great asset to Newcastle United, and will be missed." The board also announced the appointment of Carole Beverley as plc director of commercial affairs.
Chronicle chief sports writer Alan Oliver said: "After Freddie Fletcher, David Stonehouse was very much a low key chief executive. "Perhaps one of the reasons for his low profile is that Freddy Shepherd is very much a hands-on chairman and involved in the daily running of the club. And when Shepherd is not available Russell Cushing takes over "Stonehouse felt the fury of the fans when he was quoted as saying the club would be happy with mid table stability although he later insisted he was misquoted."