David Hopkinson?s internal audit of Newcastle?s workings is continuing at pace - and the new club chief is set to add a strategy executive to the hierarchy.

It is thought Hopkinson was surprised to learn that the position did not already exist when he arrived in September and his new hire will join him in the CEO?s office.

The senior appointment will also work closely with the football side of the club and be responsible for delivering special projects on time and within budget - which points to renewed progress on a new stadium and training ground.

Brad Miller is currently the chief operating officer, but Hopkinson wants to beef up the executive team and the senior associate strategy role is likely to emerge as his second in command inside St James? Park.
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Good to see he's building up areas and making a mark quickly. Hopefully and i think it will be a good mark.

I think even now, we forget how gutted Ashley made the club, so these findings don't massively surprise me. Although does slightly surprise me it wasn't dealt with by other CEO's