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Newcastle commercial chief Peter Silverstone has been placed on immediate gardening leave.
We understand the former Arsenal man is set to take up a business role at Juventus after three years at St James’ Park.
His exit comes amid new chief executive David Hopkinson’s 100-day review of the club’s inner workings, as revealed by Daily Mail Sport last month. He has vowed to make major changes should he see fit, with his mantra said to be: ‘You’re either with us, or with yourself.’
Daily Mail Sport understands another senior member of staff left last month and there could be more comings and goings as part of Hopkinson’s audit.
Silverstone is said to be leaving on good terms and will take up the opportunity with the Serie A giants later this year. In his role as Newcastle’s chief commercial officer, he was part of the team that secured the Adidas kit partnership deal, worth £30million per season.
Peter Silverstone is set to leave Newcastle United and has been placed on gardening leave
But Hopkinson, formerly head of global partnerships at Real Madrid, wants to add close to £100m per season to the club’s revenue. His contacts and know-how from a global perspective will be key to driving that growth. A partnership with Visa has been announced and the likes of Microsoft and Amazon could be next.
Insiders say that Silverstone’s exit on the back of Hopkinson’s arrival always seemed likely. It’s understood Silverstone addressed his commercial team on Tuesday after news of his departure was communicated on a staff email.
He has split opinion among the club’s online support during his time on Tyneside - primarily amid tension over ticketing - but the Scot has always spoken warmly about fans and the city, where his family have settled. He would also likely point to his part in a 130 per cent revenue growth as evidence of his work at the club.
It is expected that Hopkinson will be making some high-profile appointments in the coming months as his restructure gathers pace. To push back on the limitations of PSR, the Canadian knows that the business side of the club has to deliver to enable Eddie Howe to invest to the necessary levels in his playing squad.
