Unpopular former Newcastle United figure Lee Charnley is in contention to replace Dane Murphy at Nottingham Forest, according to The Telegraph.
Chief Executive Dane Murphy could be sacked in the coming days as Evangelos Marinakis looks for someone to carry the can for a poor start.
Charnley was brought on board by the club in the summer. It was anticipated that he’d have little to do with the football side of things.
Now, it would appear that something isn’t right. In the last 24 hours, Rafa Benitez has been linked with a move to the City Ground and he’s got a strong relationship with Charnley.
The former Newcastle man wasn’t popular at St James’ Park. As a result, it’s unlikely that replacing Murphy with him at Forest would go down a storm on Trentside.
Charnley, 44, was a right-hand man of Mike Ashley. He endured a turbulent time of things at the Magpies, with the supporters despising the regime.
Still, the club were sustainable during their time overseeing things at Newcastle. The problem in the North East was that Ashley was often tight with the purse strings.
Murphy could be in line for the axe in the coming days. He has been at the club since the summer of 2021 and was responsible for bringing Steve Cooper to the club.
He is a young CEO still learning his way in the game. Letting him leave would be absolute madness and Marinakis should think twice before making this call.
Charnley in contention to replace Murphy
This wouldn’t be a great move. As a decent businessman, this non-football role for Charnley didn’t seem such a bad idea.
He’s yet to take on the role of CEO and already it would appear that Forest have been linked with a move for Benitez.
That smacks of a backward step and the Reds would be wise to let Murphy fight through this sticky period, along with Cooper.
Charnley offering advice on business matters is one thing. It’s fair to say, however, that he definitely shouldn’t be making football-based decisions.
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