The only man who could possibly top this list ahead of Mike Ashley - and even that is marginal - Dennis Wise was appointed as Newcastle United's "Director of Football" in January 2008 and his arrival led to the eventual resignation of Geordie legend Kevin Keegan. Appointed as a man to oversee transfers, scouting and youth development, Wise controversially recruited Xisco and Nacho González, as well as allowing James Milner to be sold against Keegan's wishes, undermining the manager in the process. Wise became the public face of Ashley's so-called "Cockney Mafia" who were seen by many Newcastle supporters as being in charge of the club and ruining it from within, with the former Chelsea midfielder rarely seen in public defending his decisions. Many Newcastle fans have blamed Wise for contributing to the club's demise and eventual relegation to the Championship - with many thinking it was at least partially his fault - and he has never been forgiven for that reason. He is public villain No 1 - right alongside Ashley - in the eyes of Newcastle supporters and he will never been forgiven.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
