SOCCER/ English Premier League: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd Venue: Emirates Stadium Kick-off: 7.45pmThe strength of Kevin Keegan's relationship with Newcastle United's board faces its first potential test today when Dennis Wise's appointment as a "super executive" at the club will be confirmed.
Wise last night exchanged his tracksuit and life as manager of Leeds United for a suit and a new role stalking the corridors of St James' Park.
The former Chelsea and England midfielder resigned from his job at Elland Road yesterday and will be formally announced as a modern-day version of what once would have been termed Newcastle's "general manager" this morning. Although the 41-year-old will have no direct involvement with Keegan's first team squad - "that's Kevin's kingdom", a senior club source confirmed last night - Wise can expect to be in overall charge of transfers, youth development and scouting.
It is understood he will earn £1.5 million a year, tripling his salary, and Newcastle have promised to make two more appointments at executive level.
Fears that the recently appointed Keegan - who appeared a little non-plussed by the impending arrival and refused to answer questions on the subject yesterday - may be unhappy with Wise's role were dismissed by Newcastle officials, who insist that all appointments will be made to support the manager's efforts, but the long-term ramifications remain uncertain.
The theory behind Wise's recruitment is that the owner, Mike Ashley, and his chairman, Chris Mort - possibly influenced by their friend Paul Kemsley, a former director of Tottenham Hotspur - aim to create a new, continental-style management tier, such as that employed at Spurs. Moreover Mort, a corporate city lawyer by profession, lacks experience in, and knowledge of, football and it is hoped Wise will guide him through the nuances of the transfer market while also helping compensate for the loss of Russell Cushing, the long-serving chief operating officer, who left Newcastle earlier this season.
While he will spend part of a typical week in Newcastle, Wise may also frequently work from London. As Leeds manager he has commuted from the south-east and it is believed the strain of doing so almost prompted his resignation a month ago.
The test of the relationship between Wise and Keegan will come next summer when it emerges how big a say Wise has in transfer policy.
Meanwhile Arsenal, who can go three points ahead of Manchester United with a win tonight, will be without Tomas Rosicky because of a hamstring problem.
Guardian Service
