Lynchpin of United’s football operations headhunted by Newcastle as they plot revenge for Ashworth – The Telegraph

More behind-the-scene changes could be on the cards at Manchester United as per a report from The Telegraph.

Collette Roche, who is United’s chief operating officer, is being eyed by Newcastle United for their soon-to-be vacant chief executive role.

Darren Eale, the current CEO is expected to step down after being diagnosed with blood cancer and is currently serving till a replacement is secured.

“Collette Roche, the Manchester United chief operating officer, has emerged as one of the candidates for the chief executive role at Newcastle, Telegraph Sport understands.

Roche could be Newcastle bound?

“Newcastle are searching for a new chief executive to lead the club after it emerged last September that Darren Eales would be stepping down after being diagnosed with blood cancer. Eales is continuing in his post until a successor is found.”

Roche is not the only name on the list with Former Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham also among the candidates. The position has reportedly attracted a lot of interest.

Despite her current role being expanded since INEOS’ arrival, Roche has not been short of offers with Everton also looking at her to fill the vacant chief executive role before Angus Kinnear’s appointment in March.

Since Dan Ashworth, who incidentally arrived from the Magpies, departed, Roche has been forced to take up a more prominent role in the football operations.

She is key to INEOS’ stadium plans

Not only that but she was a key figure behind the recent £50 million Carrington revamp while also playing a crucial role in the club’s plans of delivering the new £2 billion stadium. So far, the club have refused to comment on said links.

She had joined the club back in 2018 from Manchester Airport, and her expertise might be needed given the design plan of the stadium and the need to get the all-clear from the airport before proceeding with construction.

Interestingly, she is now the only survivor from the previous management group with United’s people and transformation director Annie Hale, commercial director Florence Lafaye and chief commercial development officer James Holroyd all leaving recently.

Other senior officials like former chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough have already departed. Not to mention the countless job cuts.

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