Newcastle Chairman Mort Set To Resign

Newcastle United chairman Chris Mort is reportedly stepping down from his role at the club after less than a year.
 
Lawyer Mort, 42, advised owner Mike Ashley during his takeover of the club in the summer of 2007, and became club chairman in July.

It is believed Mort will return to his role as co-head of law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s leisure arm.

Some sources have reported that Mort took a year’s sabbatical in order to aid Ashley in his bid for the club.

Since his appointment Mort has been charged with balancing the books at St James’ Park following the departure of former chairman Freddie Shepherd.

One of the key candidates for the role should Mort be standing down is Derek Llambias, the former managing director of the London-based Fifty Club.

Llambias is a long-term associate of owner Mike Ashley who was appointed as deputy chairman in May 2008.