Ambitious Championship club Newcastle Thunder appoint new chairman

Drew Darbyshire
Newcastle Thunder players 2022 PA

Thunder players enter the field for the Friendly match between Newcastle Thunder and Wigan Warriors at Kingston Park, Newcastle on Saturday 22nd January 2022

Newcastle Thunder have appointed former managing director Keith Christie as their new chairman as the ambitious Championship club embarks on its next step.

Christie was general manager and then managing director at Newcastle Thunder between 2009 and 2017.

He was Since 2017, Christie has retained a position as one of the club’s directors. He will now provide closer support to the club’s off-field management.

Christie said: “Thunder is very important to me and when Semore and Dave asked me to take on the chairmanship and to help them in the running of the club, it didn’t take long to accept. I have a real vision of what we can achieve for rugby league in the north east.

“The club has always had huge potential which we all realise. But making a fruitful and sustainable venture we need to see community clubs, sponsors and fans getting behind us.”


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He continued: “We have a great opportunity to make a big impression against Widnes on the April 4 which is our first TV game in some time. It’s something we’re really hopeful of the north east getting behind us on.

“Thunder has some very good people working hard on its behalf. I hope to bring some support to them to help us make the most of a big year for the sport.

“With the club playing Championship rugby, Magic Weekend returning and the Rugby League World Cup looming large, there are some big opportunities to grow the club that we must take advantage of.”

Newcastle have won two of their first four games of the Championship season. Eamon O’Carroll’s side currently sit sixth in the Championship league table.

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