Ashley aide Jimenez leaves Newcastle

Tony Jimenez, one of Newcastle owner Mike Ashley’s key aides, left the crisis-torn Premier League club on Thursday.

Jimenez had been appointed as vice-president of player recruitment by Ashley and worked alongside executive director of football Dennis Wise.

Wise, Jimenez and technical co-ordinator Jeff Vetere were put in place to oversee all transfers, with an emphasis on signing top-class youngsters.

But the trio’s wide-ranging role infuriated Kevin Keegan, who quit St James’ Park because he didn’t have enough control over signing and selling players.

Keegan was unhappy that James Milner was allowed to join Aston Villa and Fabricio Coloccini, Jonas Gutierrez, Danny Guthrie, Xisco and Ignacio Gonzalez arrived without his approval.

Keegan’s departure sparked angry protests from Newcastle fans and the team have slumped into the relegation zone, with Joe Kinnear installed as interim manager, while Ashley tries to find a buyer for the club.

Jimenez’s departure was revealed by Newcastle in a statement that read: “Newcastle United can today confirm that Tony Jimenez has left the club.

“Tony, who was appointed vice-president (player recruitment) in January, has made the decision in order to pursue other interests.”