Is Wise Wasted As Toon Scout?

"I understand after speaking to him that he wanted to leave Leeds for one reason only - and that was because he had become disillusioned with the manager's job at Elland Road.

"He didn't feel he was getting recognition for what he'd done there. And it was a massive job in which he had done very well.

"Now, though, he is up for a different challenge with Newcastle."

"I see why people are having doubts about the appointment.

"When you think of director of football positions or suchlike they are usually elder statesman. But Wisey doesn't fit into that category.

"From Kevin's point of view, it will improve his job. You cannot be everywhere in football and it's an extra pair of eyes. And when you look at Wisey's contacts in the game, they are magnificent.

"At Chelsea alone he played with Vialli, Di Matteo, Petrescu, Leboeuf and Zola - who are well positioned in the world of football.

"I think it's all part of the education of the game for Dennis but one he will be relishing trying to make a success of."