[kennethlindheim]

Four members of Newcastle's Board of Directors have resigned but chairman Freddy Shepherd has remained in his role.

Douglas Hall, Bruce Shepherd, Allison Antonopoulos and Tim Revill have all stepped down from their positions with Chris Mort and Steve Hayward being appointed to the board.

A statement on the club's website read: "Following the recommended cash offer by St James' Holdings Limited being declared unconditional in all respects on 15 June 2007, Newcastle United PLC announces the resignation of Bruce Shepherd, Allison Antonopoulos, Tim Revill and Douglas Hall from the Board of Directors and the appointment of Chris Mort and Steve Hayward to the Board of Directors; all such changes to have immediate effect."

Earlier this month billionaire businessman Mike Ashley, the 25th wealthiest man in the country, increased his shareholding in Newcastle United to 77 per cent after his company St James' Holdings Ltd completed the purchase of Shepherd's stake in the North East club.

Ashley requires another 13 per cent of the shares to take full control of the Magpies.

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