Man United chief operating officer, Collette Roche, has reportedly emerged as a candidate for the chief executive vacancy at Newcastle United.
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe could be dealt major blow.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe could be dealt major blow. (Image: PA)
Manchester United chief operating officer Collette Roche is reportedly wanted by Newcastle United in what could be a major blow for Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Newcastle, who are searching for a new chief executive to lead the Carabao Cup winners as Darren Eales prepares to step down, have identified Roche as one of the candidates for the role. Eales, meanwhile, will remain in the post until successor is found at St. James' Park.
It's not the first time that Roche has been linked with a chief executive role elsewhere, with Everton also taking an interest before the appointment of Angus Kinnear in March. After eight years at Leeds United, he will officially start his role on Merseyside in June.
Since the departure of Dan Ashworth as sporting director in December, Roche's role has been expanded, assuming a much more hands-on part in footballing operations. She has also been a key figure for United's £50million revamp of Carrington, as the club builds towards the future.
This is in addition to her leading role in United's new £2billion stadium project - not to mention her position as chair of the Manchester United Foundation, which is the club's charitable arm. Despite Newcastle's interest, there is no suggestion she will be pushed out, even if she is the only survivor from the executive leadership team that existed prior to Ratcliffe taking over.
The 50-year-old has been at Old Trafford since 2018, after holding several senior HR positions at large companies. A link to St. James' Park was first outlined by a report from The Telegraph.
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