United director quits

Jul 24 2008 by Chris Knox, The Journal

ONE of Mike Ashley’s long time colleagues has left the board at Newcastle United as part of the latest re-shuffle at the club.

Director Steven Hayward has left the club just over a year after being brought in by Mr Ashley from his Sports Direct retail business to give the club a commercial advantage.

The 48-year-old is an experienced commercial manager with experience working for sport and leisure companies including Universal/Paramount, Coca-Cola and Sports Direct.

He remains involved with the sports brand, where he currently acts as European manager for Dunlop Slazenger, which is owned by Sports Direct.

Mr Hayward joined the board in June 2007 along with top lawyer Chris Mort, who was appointed as deputy chairman and then chairman. Mr Mort stood down in May this year to concentrate on his legal career.

He was part of the team that replaced Bruce Shepherd, Allison Antonopoulos, Tim Revill and Douglas Hall on the board following the clubs purchase by Mr Ashley last year.

The club did not comment on Mr Hayward’s departure yesterday or give any information about his replacement.