Newcastle United football chief Joe Kinnear has declared managing director Derek Llambias has RESIGNED.

In an interview on Talksport last night Kinnear played down Llambias' role at the club.

He said: "Derek Llambias has resigned.

"And the job has became available.

"Derek has decided to go back and be in charge of finances.

"The job is detail.

"You have to be in partnership with the manager.

"And look at the strengths and weaknesses of the team."