Lee Charnley returns to St James' Park as Newcastle United fan but has top new role in football

The former Newcastle United managing director took his seat at St James' Park against AFC Wimbledon

Former Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley was an interested spectator in the stands for the Magpies' 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup last night.

The ex-Toon board member is understood to have been watching on as a fan on the night but he has moved on professionally since his long stint at St James' Park. Charnley is now working as one of the leading figures of top football agency Wasserman, which represents Eddie Howe and a clutch of Newcastle stars.

Charnley immediately left Newcastle after the takeover was pushed through with his involvement in signing off the paperwork one of his last acts as CEO before moving on to pastures new. He is understood to have vowed to remain a supporter despite overseeing some difficult times on Tyneside.

He is Wasserman's head of European operations but was spotted at St James' Park last night. Meanwhile, the current CEO Darren Eales, who is stepping down for health reasons, is assisting in the search for his successor.

Speaking about his role with Wasserman, Charnley said earlier this year: “Over the past 20 years, the IFM team has built the number one football player agency in Switzerland. It’s a business founded on honesty, trust and respect – values which align entirely with our own approach to talent representation."

Eales announced the sad news of his impending departure last week with head coach Eddie Howe commenting: "All of us associated with Newcastle really feel for Darren and throw a protective arm around him. It's devastating news for him and his family.

"Darren is a really hard worker, he wants to do a great job for Newcastle. He's always been really committed and that news put everything into perspective. We hope me makes a full recvery and he's okay and we'll do everything we can to support him."

William Osula chant does the rounds at St James' Park

The Toon Army have quickly fashioned a terrace ditty to make Osula feel at home after his £15m move from Sheff United.

Singing Osula's name to the hit to Terrorvision's 90s hit Tequila, the catchy chant was heard during the drab 1-0 win over Wimbledon. Speaking after the game, Osula said: "Yeah, it was very important. All the fans were there singing. It was a great feeling and atmosphere. I loved it."

When asked how close he was to starting Premier League games, Eddie Howe said:" Time will tell and his performances will dictate that. I think today there was some really bright flashes for him.

"But I think he knows he has areas of his game to work on, like any young player. Like I said before the game, we're working on those with him. It was a performance of promise. He probably could have scored a couple of goals."

Wimbledon leave St James' Park with gratitude

The Dons were thankful to Newcastle for hosting their "home game" after the first match was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

After the game the visitors wanted to go on the record to show their appreciation and posted on X: We’d also like to extend our thanks once again to Newcastle and the wider football community for the generous donations towards the renovation of our Plough Lane pitch. It’s greatly appreciated and won’t be forgotten!"