Newcastle relegated: Lee Charnley refuses to resign despite Magpies suffering relegation for second time

Newcastle relegated without playing on Wednesday but Charnley refuses to offer resignation

Newcastle were relegated without kicking a ball on Wednesday, leaving managing director Lee Charnley to apologise to supporters (Getty)

The Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley spoke on Wednesday of his devastation at the club’s relegation, but refused to offer his resignation.

Sunderland’s 3-0 win against Everton at the Stadium of Light confirmed that their bitter North-East rivals will start next season in the Championship.

Charnley, who has overseen the spending of £120million on 17 players in the last four transfer windows, said there would be a full inquest but did not say he would leave his post.

Newcastle will now face Tottenham at St James’ Park on Sunday in a game that means nothing for the already doomed home side.

Owner Mike Ashley, who has now overseen two relegations in his controversial nine-year reign, is unlikely to be at the stadium.

Charnley is expected to go, and Newcastle could be led by Rafa Benitez for the last time.

Rafael Benitez could take charge of Newcastle for the final time on Sunday (Getty)

The Newcastle managing director gave no assurances over Benitez’s future. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager has a break clause with relegation that could allow him to leave.

Charnley, in a statement to supporters, said: “Tonight we are devastated at our relegation from the Premier League, as I know every single person connected to this football club will be.

“The process of scrutinising what went wrong and planning for what is to come has already begun.

"Right now, of course, Rafa and the team must prepare for the final game of the season but after that, please rest assured we will communicate more fully with supporters.

“I want to pay particular thanks for the incredible backing you have given to Rafa and the team during the latter part of the season.

"Nothing more could be asked of you and I am truly sorry we have not given you the outcome you deserve.

”I also want to thank every single member of staff here. This club is their livelihood, but they are fans too.

"To go through the threat of relegation last season and then to suffer a worse fate this time around has been very hard for them.

"I know that each and every one of them has done whatever they could to help us out of the situation we now find ourselves in.”

Sunderland scored three goals either side of half-time against a hapless Everton through Patrick van Aanholt and two from Lamine Kone.

Former Newcastle captain and manager Alan Shearer tweeted: “You can’t pretend it hadn’t been coming. @nufc not learned from the lessons of 2009.”