New director appointed at Newcastle United

Newcastle United have appointed a new director to the club board.

Roger Thornton, 53, is a South Shields native whose family have a long history with the Premier League club.

His grandfather, Ben Sullivan, was an administrator who moved from Lincoln City to relaunch the Newcastle United Development Association in the mid-1960s.

Ben played a key role in supporting ground improvements at St. James' Park over many years, including securing funding to build the existing East Stand structure which opened in 1973.

Interestingly, Roger, who is head of property at Motcomb Estates Limited, an asset management company focussing on a portfolio of global office, retail, hotel and leisure assets for the family of Newcastle United co-owner, Jamie Reuben, joins the club as it reaches a crossroads regarding the future of the stadium.

A feasibility study into the club’s home ground - a redevelopment of St James’ or move to another site - has reached its second phase and a decision is expected in the new year.

Roger has played a key role in recent developments in Newcastle city centre in his role at Motcomb Estates, including the transformative Pilgrims Quarter project, as well as supporting property matters for Newcastle Racecourse.

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