They can tart it up as best they can, but Geordies are not idiots!The ex-Leeds United boss was drafted into a job without a title, a position that I'm sure even HE is a little uncomfortable with, and Mort struggles to explain.
Wise was happy at Elland Road and had finally won over the Leeds doubters.
Promotion looked a certainty as the Whites overcame a 15-point penalty with blistering ease and looked the best side in League One by the proverbial mile. So why would he leave the job to become ... what is nothing more than ... a job scouting?
Wise was given assurances, have no doubts about it. He is not a man who wants to see out his future scouting young players. He sees himself as a top manager and wants the chance to crack it in the Premiership.
As long as Mike Ashley is owner, you can forget about Alan Shearer being next Newcastle boss. That job will go to Wise.
The ex-Chelsea skipper has not relocated to the north east since being appointed but Newcastle are happy for him to be living in London.
Mort: "He splits his time between Newcastle, London and whole host of other places.
"He is travelling Europe looking at players for us. His day job is not to spend time at St James' Park, it is to go off and watch players for us.
"I am perfectly comfortable with the way he is operating."