Premier League: Lee Charnley appointed managing director of Newcastle United

Lee Charnley was appointed managing director of Newcastle United (Premier League), announced the club on 07/04/2014. The post had been vacant since the departure of Derek Llambias on 19/06/2013. Lee Charnley has served as football secretary for the Magpies since 2008. The Englishman is now in charge of both administrative and sporting management of the club.

"The club has never been in such a stable and healthy financial position, which gives us the best possible platform from which to grow. We will continue to operate in a financially responsible manner and live within our means. This club is financially strong," said Lee Charnley, whose first ambition is to increase sponsorship revenue for Newcastle.

The club also announced the appointment of Mike Ashley, Newcastle's majority shareholder, to the board of directors of the club.

• "Our immediate priority of course is to finish this season as strongly as possible. Our minimum target for this campaign was a top ten finish, but I can assure our supporters that everyone at Newcastle United will do their utmost to ensure the club finishes…