NEWCASTLE will confirm Dennis Wise's appointment as their new director of football development today, but the former Leeds United manager will not be involved with the club's first-team affairs.

Wise stepped down as Leeds boss yesterday, and will be one of three new figures appointed at St James' Park as Magpies owner Mike Ashley reshapes the managerial infrastructure of the club he inherited from Freddy Shepherd last summer.

Tony Jimenez, a former property developer who has worked with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, will be installed as Newcastle's new vice-president.

Jeff Vetere, formerly a scout with Real Madrid, will be appointed as the club's technical director, with specific control over international scouting.

The duo both have close ties with Ashley. Jimenez is a confidante of former Tottenham director Paul Kemsley and is understood to have been involved in Ashley's search for Sam Allardyce's successor.

Both are expected to play prominent roles in the areas of player recruitment, but it will be the appointment of Wise that causes most interest.

The former Chelsea and Wimbledon midfielder has not been appointed as a member of Kevin Keegan's coaching staff, and will have little or no direct involvement with the first-team squad.

His duties will range from overseeing the workings of the club's Academy to scouting young and emerging players, and his role, which will be based in both Newcastle and London, will be broadly comparable to the one Frank Arnesen currently fills at Chelsea.

He has not been appointed over Keegan's head - the Magpies manager was aware of Wise's possible arrival when he agreed to succeed Allardyce earlier this month - and Keegan is understood to be satisfied with yesterday's surprise events.

But Wise's appointment is sure to fuel speculation over the potential for conflict.

Keegan selected Wise for England, but the pair do not enjoy a close relationship and Wise's appointment has been rubber-stamped by Ashley and chairman Chris Mort rather than the Newcastle boss.

"I am reluctant to tell you all I know because I really do not know everything, being honest," said Keegan, ahead of this evening's game at Arsenal.

"It is pointless me saying something to you, that I'm going to sit down and this wasn't quite right or that wasn't quite right. I just do not know enough about it. I know a little and a little bit of knowledge is dangerous.

"I have spoken with Chris and I am very happy with that conversation. That is a fact. I spoke to Chris before I came here because I knew where everyone would go, but really this is a distraction we do not need today - and that's not a distraction in a negative sense. You are going to have to ask Chris Mort (for any further information)."

Wise, who will not be at Southend when Leeds travel to Roots Hall tonight, has opted to take on his new post despite having been involved with management for more than four years.

He led Millwall to an FA Cup final during his 19 months of player-management at The New Den.

After five months at Swindon, he was appointed Leeds manager in October 2006, but was unable to keep the club in the Championship last season. However, he has guided Leeds into the League One play-off places despite a 15-point penalty.

His decision to take a step back from management is surprising, but the lure of a regular return to London has proved a factor. It is envisaged that Wise will spend up to three working days a week in the capital.

The 41-year-old's family did not accompany him north when he joined Leeds more than a year ago, and sources in Yorkshire suggest a desire to return to his roots almost led him to quit Elland Road earlier this season.

Newcastle first contacted Leeds to inquire about Wise's availability last Friday, and a formal offer of compensation was faxed to Elland Road yesterday morning