NEWCASTLE United’s departed vice-president Tony Jimenez is understood to have quit his role on Tyneside because he did not see the point in continuing to scour the globe for talent while the club’s future was in limbo.
The Londoner was at the centre of the storm last month which resulted in Kevin Keegan walking away from his position as manager due to the lack of control over transfers.
And after United fans had made their feelings crystal clear about the situation by unfurling “Cockney Mafia Out” banners at St James’s Park, owner Mike Ashley quickly put the club up for sale on September 14.
Yet as part of the aftermath at St James’s Park, Jimenez subsequently decided there was no longer any point in wasting time flying around the world to scout players that may never even pull on a black-and-white shirt.
A source close to Jimenez told the Chronicle: “Tony just felt there was no point in continuing his position.
“He knows that the club could be sold and, even if it is not, there is the possibility that the club won’t spend money in January with the future so uncertain.
“He is expected to take up another role soon because he wants to continue working in the game.”
There’s no doubt that Jimenez’s departure has received a mixed reaction, but he leaves with a legacy of Jonas Gutierrez, Fabricio Coloccini, Sebastien Bassong, Nacho Gonzalez and Xisco.
It is understood that the chances of United spending similar amounts like they did for players such as £10m defender Coloccini and £5.7m Spanish striker Xisco are slim, and therefore Jimenez believed he had no future at the club.
The whole situation has left Mike Ashley facing a decision. He either has to stick with it at St James’s Park and rethink the structure, or accept less than the £250-300m figure the Toon tycoon is believed to looking for to sell United, with the October 17 deadline for potential buyers quickly coming up.
However, executive director Dennis Wise’s position at the club remains unaffected by his close pal’s departure at United.
:: JOE KINNEAR will take in tonight’s England Under-21 international clash with Wales at Ninian Park.
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